This learning resource discusses the meaning, nature, and dynamics of moral dilemmas. It also discusses the major types of moral dilemmas, namely, 1) epistemic and ontological dilemmas, 2) self-imposed and world-imposed dilemmas, 3) obligation dilemmas and prohibition dilemmas, and 4) single agent ...
First of all, let us define the term dilemma before we discuss the nature and dynamics of
moral dilemmas.
A dilemma is a situation where a person is forced to choose between two or more
conflicting options, neither of which is acceptable. As we can see, the key here is that
the person has choices to make that will all have results she does not want. For
example, a town mayor faces a dilemma about how to protect and preserve a virgin
forest and at the same time allow miners and loggers for economic development in the
town.
It must be noted, however, that if a person is in a difficult situation but is not forced to
choose between two or more options, then that person is not in a dilemma. The least
that we can say is that that person is just experiencing a problematic or distressful
situation. Thus, the most logical thing to do for that person is to look for alternatives or
solutions to address the problem.
When dilemmas involve human actions which have moral implications, they are called
ethical or moral dilemmas.
Moral dilemmas, therefore, are situations where persons, who are called “moral agents”
in ethics, are forced to choose between two or more conflicting options, neither of
which resolves the situation in a morally acceptable manner. Consider the following
example:
Lindsay is a deeply religious person; hence, she considers killing humans absolutely
wrong. Unfortunately, it is found out that Lindsay is having an ectopic pregnancy. As is
well known, an ectopic pregnancy is a type of pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus,
most commonly in the fallopian tubes. In other words, in ectopic pregnancy, the fetus
does not develop in the uterus. Now, if this happens, the development of the fetus will
definitely endanger the mother. Thus, if Lindsay continues with her pregnancy, then there
is a big possibility that she will die. According to experts, the best way to save Lindsay’s
life is to abort the fetus, which necessarily implies killing the fetus. If we do not abort the
fetus, then Lindsay, as well as the fetus, will die.
In the above example of a moral dilemma, Lindsay is faced with two conflicting options,
namely, either she resorts to abortion, which will save her life but at the same time
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