Ethical dilemmas

Definition

Ethical dilemmas are situations in which a person faces conflicting moral principles, making it difficult to choose the right course of action. These dilemmas often involve a choice between two or more equally compelling options, each having its own set of ethical implications. This conflict can lead to significant emotional and psychological strain as individuals navigate their responsibilities and personal values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the context of Ian McEwan's psychological realism, characters often grapple with ethical dilemmas that reveal their complex inner lives and moral conflicts.
2. Ethical dilemmas in McEwan's works frequently highlight the consequences of choices made under pressure, showcasing the weight of responsibility.
3. McEwan uses ethical dilemmas to challenge readers' perceptions of right and wrong, inviting them to consider multiple perspectives on moral issues.
4. The exploration of ethical dilemmas often leads to profound character development, as characters are forced to confront their beliefs and the impact of their decisions.
5. McEwan's portrayal of ethical dilemmas reflects contemporary societal issues, prompting discussions about morality in the modern world.

Review Questions

• How do ethical dilemmas in Ian McEwan's works reflect the complexities of human psychology?
  • In Ian McEwan's works, ethical dilemmas serve as critical points that reveal the complexities of human psychology. Characters are often placed in situations where they must choose between conflicting moral principles, which highlights their vulnerabilities, fears, and motivations. This internal conflict allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the characters’ psyche and the factors that drive their decisions, ultimately showcasing how moral choices are seldom clear-cut.
• Discuss how McEwan uses ethical dilemmas to challenge traditional notions of morality in his narratives.
  • McEwan often employs ethical dilemmas to challenge traditional notions of morality by presenting situations where right and wrong are not easily discernible. Through his characters' struggles with difficult choices, he invites readers to reflect on the nuances of morality and consider alternative viewpoints. This approach prompts a reevaluation of preconceived beliefs about ethics, illustrating that moral decisions can be influenced by context, emotions, and individual circumstances.
• Evaluate the significance of ethical dilemmas in understanding character motivations and societal issues within McEwan's psychological realism.
  • The significance of ethical dilemmas in McEwan's psychological realism lies in their ability to illuminate character motivations and reflect broader societal issues. By placing characters in morally ambiguous situations, McEwan explores how personal values intersect with social expectations, revealing underlying tensions in contemporary society. This exploration fosters a richer understanding of characters as they navigate their responsibilities and the implications of their choices, ultimately enhancing the reader's engagement with both individual narratives and larger ethical questions present in society.

Related terms

Moral Ambiguity: A situation where the moral rightness or wrongness of an action is unclear, leading to confusion and debate.

Consequentialism: An ethical theory that judges the rightness or wrongness of actions based on their outcomes or consequences.

Deontological Ethics: An ethical framework that emphasizes the importance of duty and adherence to rules or obligations when evaluating moral actions.