Ethical dilemmas

Definition

Ethical dilemmas occur when a person faces conflicting moral principles or values, making it difficult to choose a course of action without compromising one or more of those principles. These dilemmas often involve complex situations where individuals must weigh the consequences of their choices and the moral implications of their decisions. In literature, such dilemmas can drive character development and plot progression, highlighting the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Troilus and Criseyde', Troilus experiences an ethical dilemma when he must choose between his love for Criseyde and his loyalty to his brother, Pandarus, who is deeply involved in the relationship.
2. Criseyde faces her own ethical dilemma when she is torn between her feelings for Troilus and the pressures she feels from her situation with Diomede after Troilus is away.
3. The Franklin's Tale presents an ethical dilemma centered around the theme of honor and loyalty, particularly in how Arveragus and Dorigen navigate their marriage vows and personal desires.
4. Both texts illustrate how characters' decisions reflect their moral values and the complexities that arise when those values are tested by external circumstances.
5. The resolution of these ethical dilemmas reveals insights into human nature, as characters confront their choices and the moral weight those choices carry.

Review Questions

• How do the ethical dilemmas faced by Troilus in 'Troilus and Criseyde' illustrate the conflict between love and loyalty?
  • Troilus's ethical dilemmas highlight the tension between his deep love for Criseyde and his loyalty to his brother, Pandarus. As Troilus navigates his feelings for Criseyde, he struggles with the implications of pursuing that love while feeling obligated to honor his brother's intentions. This conflict reveals not only the complexity of romantic relationships but also showcases how personal emotions can clash with familial duties.
• Discuss how the ethical dilemmas in 'The Franklin's Tale' serve to enhance the themes of honor and commitment within marriage.
  • In 'The Franklin's Tale', Arveragus's decision to allow Dorigen to choose her own fate after being manipulated by Aurelius reflects a profound ethical dilemma regarding honor within marriage. Arveragus prioritizes Dorigen's autonomy over his own desires, challenging traditional views on gender roles and marital authority. The tale ultimately showcases how both characters must navigate their loyalties to one another and their individual principles, enriching the exploration of marital ethics.
• Evaluate the significance of ethical dilemmas in shaping character development in both 'Troilus and Criseyde' and 'The Franklin's Tale', considering how these dilemmas reflect broader societal values.
  • Ethical dilemmas play a crucial role in character development within both 'Troilus and Criseyde' and 'The Franklin's Tale'. In Troilus’s case, his internal struggle between love and loyalty deepens his character, illustrating the societal pressures placed on masculinity and familial duty. Similarly, in 'The Franklin's Tale', Dorigen’s dilemma emphasizes the expectations placed on women regarding fidelity and choice. By confronting these dilemmas, characters reveal their underlying values and how they adapt or resist societal norms, offering readers insight into the human experience in relation to morality.

Related terms

Moral Conflict: A situation in which an individual faces opposing moral claims or obligations, resulting in a struggle to determine the right course of action.

Consequentialism: An ethical theory that evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes or consequences, often used to analyze decision-making in ethical dilemmas.

Deontological Ethics: An ethical framework that focuses on the inherent morality of actions themselves rather than their consequences, emphasizing duties and obligations.