In business and personal life, people often face difficult situations where their actions might contradict the moral principles they hold dear. These are called ethical dilemmas. When this happens, it is challenging to make decisions that satisfy both sides because there may be no right answer.
An employee might receive a promotion if they share confidential company information with colleagues who want it for personal gain.
Sharing this information could also harm others within the organization. It's up to them to decide what action to take. In such scenarios, norms can clash and create tension. Ethics help determine which path to choose.
Ethics refer to moral standards that govern behavior. Norms are accepted social rules governing conduct. If these principles differ, conflicts arise. This essay will explore how norms conflict in ethical dilemmas.
A norm is a set of acceptable behaviors considered appropriate in a society.
In most cultures, people view lying as immoral. It's against societal norms.
Some exceptions exist. White lies can protect someone else from embarrassment or hurt feelings. They are okay in certain circumstances but still require consideration. People may feel guilty about telling a lie, so they must decide whether to follow their conscience or honor societal norms. The same goes for stealing. While everyone agrees taking something without permission is wrong, sometimes, it's necessary. Someone may need food to survive, while another might struggle financially. Society has agreed that stealing isn't right, but there are instances when it's justified.
When norms collide with ethics, individuals face difficult choices. Suppose a business owner wants to hire someone underqualified but related to them personally. Doing so would violate hiring policies designed to ensure fairness and impartiality. But if the candidate brings exceptional skills, giving them the job might be more valuable than following the rules. The boss must weigh the pros and cons before deciding what to do.
In relationships, two partners might disagree on whether or not cheating is acceptable. One person views it as an unethical act, while the other sees nothing wrong with it. In this case, both parties should discuss their perspectives and try to find common ground. If they cannot reconcile differences, they may need to part ways. Other examples include choosing between family responsibilities and work commitments. Or sacrificing one's values for financial gain. Each situation presents unique challenges and requires careful thought.
Ethical dilemmas involving norms can have serious consequences.
A doctor who discovers their patient is infected with a contagious disease but doesn't tell anyone risks spreading the illness further. This scenario tests medical standards of confidentiality versus public safety. It's crucial to consider all sides before acting.
Ethical dilemmas arise when societal norms conflict with individual beliefs. People must make tough choices that balance personal values against accepted behaviors. While no single solution exists, understanding the issue can help resolve conflicts and protect everyone involved.
How do ethical dilemmas arise when norms conflict?
Ethical dilemmas can arise when individuals are faced with situations where their actions may go against established social norms. When an individual is presented with a decision that involves choosing between what they believe to be right and wrong, but also taking into account cultural or societal expectations, it can become challenging to determine which course of action is appropriate.