Topic 3: Moral Dilemmas

Introduction

A dilemma is a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more
alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones. It is a conflict in which you have to choose between
two or more actions and have moral reasons for choosing each action.

1) An individual is presented with two or more actions, all of which the individual has the ability to
perform.

2) There are moral reasons for the individual to choose each of the actions.

3) The individual cannot perform all of the actions and have to choose which action, or actions to
perform when there are three or more choices.

Since there are moral reasons to choose each action, and the individual cannot choose them all,
it follows that no matter what choice the individual makes, he or she will be failing to follow his or her
morals. In other words, someone or something will suffer no matter what choice he or she makes.

Three Levels of Moral Dilemmas

1. Individual Moral Dilemma

This is a moral dilemma that involves the individual on a personal level. Factors such as personal
health issues, family issues, personal financial issues, peer pressures and socio-economic issues among
many others may lead to ethical tensions within the person himself. Example: A child in the family is in a
dilemma whether to donate his kidney for the sake of his sister or not considering that there may be
some health complications that may arise in the future.

2. Organizational Moral Dilemma

This is a moral conflict that occurs in the organization or institution where individuals within the
organization will face the dilemma of personal choices against the working ethics of the organization or
institution. Example: a network administrator who found out about the infidelity of his best friend’s wife
through her emails is in a dilemma whether to inform his best friend about it or not considering the
policy of the company on personal emails. Other examples may be found in businesses, scholarship
policies, medical field, and employment discriminations among others.

3. Systemic Moral Dilemma

This is a moral dilemma that occurs at a macro level. Factors such as political pressures, economic
conditions, societal attitudes, government regulations and policies may bring about a moral dilemma.
These factors affect operations and relationships which drives an impact to the people, the market, the
workplace and others on a local, national and international level. Examples are death penalty,
Contractualization, War on Drugs Program of the Government, RH Law…