Overview
This lecture explores the concept of moral dilemmas, defines key terms, discusses the conditions for true dilemmas, and describes various types and examples of moral dilemmas in ethics.
Definition and Nature of Dilemmas
- A dilemma is a situation requiring a choice between two or more conflicting options, neither of which is fully acceptable.
- Not all difficult situations are dilemmas; a true dilemma requires conflicting choices with unwanted outcomes.
- A moral (or ethical) dilemma specifically involves choices with significant moral implications for the agent.
Conditions for Moral Dilemmas
- Karen Allen's three conditions: (1) The agent is obliged to decide the best course of action, (2) there are conflicting options, and (3) some moral principle will always be compromised, resulting in moral failure.
Types of Moral Dilemmas
Epistemic and Ontological Dilemmas
- Epistemic dilemmas: Agent cannot determine which moral requirement takes precedence due to lack of knowledge.
- Ontological dilemmas: Conflicting moral requirements are equal, so neither overrides the other.
Self-Imposed and World-Imposed Dilemmas
- Self-imposed dilemmas result from the agent's own actions creating conflicting obligations.
- World-imposed dilemmas arise from external events forcing the agent into an unavoidable moral conflict.
Obligation and Prohibition Dilemmas
- Obligation dilemmas: More than one action is obligatory, but not all can be fulfilled.
- Prohibition dilemmas: All feasible actions are forbidden, but one must still be chosen.
Single-Agent and Multi-Person Dilemmas
- Single-agent dilemmas involve one agent confronted with equally compelling but mutually exclusive options.
- Multi-person dilemmas involve several people or groups who must make a consensual moral decision, often increasing complexity.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Dilemma — A choice between conflicting options, none of which is fully acceptable.
- Moral (Ethical) Dilemma — A situation where all available choices compromise a moral principle.
- Moral Agent — The person making the moral choice or decision.
- Epistemic Dilemma — Conflict where the right choice is unclear due to insufficient knowledge.
- Ontological Dilemma — Conflict where moral requirements are equally strong.
- Self-Imposed Dilemma — Dilemma caused by the agent’s prior actions.
- World-Imposed Dilemma — Dilemma caused by external circumstances.
- Obligation Dilemma — Multiple obligatory actions cannot all be performed.
- Prohibition Dilemma — All possible actions are forbidden.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of each type of moral dilemma discussed.
- Reflect on real-life situations that may fit these categories.