Ethical Dilemmas

If so, then you’ve faced an ethical dilemma.

A dilemma is a difficult situation in which you are required to make a decision.

Ethical dilemmas (also sometimes referred to as ethical situations) involve deciding whether something is right or wrong.

Ethical Dilemma Consequence

In an ethical dilemma, if you pick the wrong choice, someone (or something) could be harmed. For example:

• ​If you don’t do extra credit for your Calculus class, you won’t harm your teacher or the other students.

• But if you cheat on a Calculus test, you can hurt your classmates and your teacher by disrespecting them.

Ethical Principles

Ethical dilemmas involve a right choice and a wrong choice.

But what makes a choice wrong or right?

The right choice involves following certain ethical principles at all times.

Ethical Principles

​Fairness

​Respect

​Integrity

​Accountability

​Trust

​Honesty

Ethical Principles

It’s important to remember that each ethical dilemma you encounter is an opportunity to make the right decision and show that you can follow ethical principles.

So, next time you find yourself facing an ethical dilemma, remember: it’s not a challenge, it’s an opportunity.

What Makes a Dilemma

Now that you have a better understanding of what ethical dilemmas are, let’s take a look at a few common causes of ethical dilemmas.

By looking at the reasons behind ethical dilemmas, we can try to understand why so many people behave unethically.

What Makes a Dilemma

• Pressure from others

• The desire to prove yourself

• Conflicting values

• Greed

• Bad role models

• A lack of consequences

Doing the Right Thing

It’s clear that we face ethical dilemmas all the time—at work, at school, and in our personal lives.

You can make the correct ethical decisions by living according to your ethical code, being your own person, being on your best behavior, thinking about the long-term repercussions of your actions, following the law, being trustworthy, and respecting others.