What is moral dilemma? Explain with examples.

A moral dilemma is a situation in which an individual faces conflicting moral principles, making it challenging to determine the morally right course of action. In such scenarios, the individual is torn between two or more choices, each of which involves adhering to a moral principle but may result in conflicting outcomes. These dilemmas highlight the complexity and often agonizing nature of ethical decision-making.

Examples of Moral Dilemmas:

1. The Trolley Problem:

   • A classic example in ethics, the trolley problem presents a scenario where a person must decide whether to divert a runaway trolley onto a track where it would harm one person to save five others or do nothing and allow the trolley to harm the five. This dilemma forces individuals to grapple with the moral principles of minimizing harm and the value of individual life.

2. The Heinz Dilemma:

   • Proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg, the Heinz dilemma involves a man named Heinz who faces a moral dilemma when his wife is dying, and he cannot afford the expensive medicine that could save her. Heinz must decide whether to steal the medicine or let his wife die. This dilemma explores the conflict between respecting property rights and the duty to preserve life.

3. Whistleblowing:

   • Consider an employee who discovers unethical practices within their organization. Reporting the misconduct may align with the moral principle of honesty and accountability, but it may conflict with loyalty to the organization or fear of retaliation. Whistleblowing dilemmas often involve navigating between competing ethical obligations.

4. The Footbridge Dilemma:

   • Similar to the trolley problem, the footbridge dilemma presents a scenario where a person must decide whether to push an innocent individual off a bridge to stop a runaway trolley and save five others. This dilemma raises questions about the morality of actively causing harm to prevent greater harm and the value of individual sacrifice.

5. End-of-life Decisions:

   • In healthcare, ethical dilemmas may arise when deciding whether to continue aggressive medical interventions for a terminally ill patient or transition to palliative care. Balancing the principles of preserving life and respecting the patient's autonomy can create moral conflicts for both healthcare providers and families.

6. Dual Loyalties in Professional Ethics:

   • Professionals, such as lawyers or doctors, may face dilemmas when their responsibilities to clients or patients conflict with broader ethical principles. For instance, a lawyer may grapple with defending a client they believe to be guilty, highlighting the tension between professional obligations and personal moral convictions.

Resolving Moral Dilemmas:

Resolving moral dilemmas often involves careful consideration of ethical principles, potential consequences, and the values at stake. Ethical theories such as consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics offer different frameworks for approaching these dilemmas. Additionally, seeking guidance from ethical codes, consulting with others, and engaging in moral reasoning can contribute to a more informed and ethical decision-making process when facing complex moral choices. Ultimately, moral dilemmas underscore the intricate nature of ethical decision-making, challenging individuals to navigate conflicting principles and make choices that align with their values.