Moral dilemma

Definition

A moral dilemma is a situation in which a person faces conflicting choices, each of which involves a moral or ethical principle that is difficult to reconcile. These dilemmas often require individuals to make tough decisions that weigh their values and ethics against personal desires or societal expectations. The outcome can lead to significant internal conflict as individuals grapple with the implications of their choices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral dilemmas often emerge in high-stakes situations where individuals must choose between two or more conflicting ethical principles.
2. These dilemmas can lead to significant emotional distress, as individuals weigh their personal values against societal norms or expectations.
3. Literature frequently uses moral dilemmas to explore character development, revealing deeper insights into motivations and beliefs.
4. The resolution of a moral dilemma can have far-reaching consequences not just for the individual but also for those affected by their decision.
5. Moral dilemmas encourage critical thinking and ethical reasoning, prompting discussions about right and wrong in complex scenarios.

Review Questions

• How do moral dilemmas serve as catalysts for internal conflict within characters?
  • Moral dilemmas create internal conflict by forcing characters to confront their values and the consequences of their choices. When faced with conflicting ethical principles, characters must navigate their desires against what they believe is right or wrong, leading to intense emotional struggles. This internal conflict not only drives character development but also adds depth to the narrative as readers engage with the complexities of human morality.
• In what ways do moral dilemmas challenge traditional notions of right and wrong?
  • Moral dilemmas challenge traditional notions of right and wrong by presenting situations where no clear answer exists, forcing individuals to consider multiple perspectives and the potential outcomes of their decisions. These scenarios often highlight the complexity of human experiences and question whether strict adherence to rules or societal norms can lead to just outcomes. This challenges the idea that morality is black-and-white and encourages deeper exploration of ethical reasoning.
• Evaluate how the portrayal of moral dilemmas in literature reflects broader societal issues and contributes to ethical discussions.
  • The portrayal of moral dilemmas in literature reflects broader societal issues by showcasing conflicts that resonate with real-world ethical debates, such as justice, freedom, and personal responsibility. By placing characters in morally ambiguous situations, authors invite readers to engage in critical discussions about ethics and morality. This not only deepens the reader's understanding of the characters' struggles but also serves as a mirror for society, prompting reflection on contemporary moral challenges and encouraging dialogue about our values and principles.

Related terms

Ethical relativism: The belief that morality is not absolute and that ethical standards are shaped by cultural, societal, or personal circumstances.

Consequentialism: An ethical theory that judges the rightness or wrongness of an action based on the consequences it produces.

Deontological ethics: An ethical framework that emphasizes the importance of following rules and duties regardless of the outcomes.