The human being like social individualYou must recognize the difference between belonging to society and living with society, this is because not all beings have the same value system; In every society, culture and region, there are behavioral variables that condition certain decisions to be taken.
In our daily lives, we encounter professional ethical dilemmasSince we don't always agree with our colleagues' value systems, which can influence our thinking and work practices, this requires tolerance for harmonious coexistence. Such coexistence demands an active attitude of tolerance toward differences in values and beliefs, without compromising fundamental ethical principles. If you've ever found yourself in this type of situation, this article is for you.
Ethics
Every professional who inspires respect and admiration in others has as their principle and priority, the ethicsWe all hear this value resonate among the requirements set for us in educational centers and homes to become an upright person in life in general.
But the truth is that not everyone enjoys this vital value, or many distort its meaning. What is the meaning of ethics? In short, this philosophical discipline It studies the difference between good and evil and the intrinsic relationship that these two factors have with morality and human behavior.
Ethics is not only concerned with saying what is right or wrong, but also analyzes why We consider certain actions good and reject others. Ethics is used to build... principles, norms and values that guide individual and collective decisions, both in private life and in the professional sphere.
While ethics It focuses on personal reflection on what is right, the moral It refers to the codes, customs, and norms shared by a social group. Understanding this difference is key to understanding why professionals often face situations where their conscience interferes with their professional conduct. conflict with what the organization, the law or the culture in which he works requires of him.
Principles of ethics and the basis of ethical dilemmas
To address the main topic of this article, it is necessary to know what the three fundamental principles to make a decision, this, in case a professional ethical dilemma arises:
- There must be at least two possible decisions to choose.
- All possibilities must be presented under a professional magnifying glassthat does not involve visceral emotions that affect the well-being of others.
- The final decision must be one that is within the everyone's expectationsand with greater benefits for those most affected.
Sometimes, an ethical dilemma can be much more complexBecause the main problem doesn't always offer solutions that are agreeable to everyone. The person faces options where each alternative has both positive and negative consequences, creating a real conflict between different values.
Generally speaking, a situation is considered an ethical dilemma when a professional must choose between two or more actions related to Ethical principles (such as autonomy, beneficence, justice, or non-maleficence), and any of the possible options violates, at least in part, one of those principles. Furthermore, the professional is obligated to act because do nothing It could also constitute harm or an ethical breach.
Diplomacy must be involved in these types of situations, of course. professionalism It is a key element for better communication and resolution. At the same time, it is important to recognize that experiencing an ethical dilemma creates tension between what one wants to do, what one believes is right to do, what legal norms require, and what the people involved demand.
What exactly is an ethical dilemma?
Un ethical dilemma It is a situation, usually presented as a short story or a real case, in which a person is forced to make a decision between two or more options which are morally defensible but mutually exclusive. Every choice carries benefits and drawbacks, so there is no alternative that is entirely good and another that is entirely bad.
As a general rule, the situation presents itself as a disjunctive choiceThe protagonist faces a decisive situation with only two options (A or B), both equally feasible and defensible. The individual is thus confronted with a genuine and unavoidable conflict, in which numerous questions may arise before a choice is made.
These types of dilemmas require a deep reflection about the available alternatives, as well as the value assigned to each moral principle involved. Often, the professional has to prioritize one value or another (for example, confidentiality versus security, truth versus loyalty, justice versus compassion), being aware that any choice will have an ethical cost.
The existence of ethical dilemmas has generated an important branch of study within moral philosophy, psychology, and the social sciences. Furthermore, dilemmas are frequently used as pedagogical tool to educate in values, train critical thinking and prepare professionals for complex situations in their work practice.
Types of ethical dilemmas
The concept of an ethical dilemma may seem simple, but in reality there are various types depending on their origin, their degree of relevance to real life, or the information they provide about the consequences of each decision. Understanding these categories helps to better grasp how they are constructed and used in vocational training.
Hypothetical dilemma
These are dilemmas that place a person in a position where they face a highly improbable situation in their daily life. They are not impossible, but they are unusual scenarios that often arise from... literature, the media, or the imagination of the person who creates them. They tend to be less close to direct experience, but allow for the development of the moral reasoning in a more abstract way.
Real dilemma
In this case, the dilemma concerns a situation everyday and close For the person analyzing it, it can be based on lived, observed, or easily plausible events in daily or professional life. Although they tend to be less dramatic than hypothetical ones, they can be more... distressing because the person identifies with the protagonists and clearly perceives the repercussions of each decision.
Open or solvable dilemma
Open dilemmas present a problematic situation, but the protagonist has not yet acted. The context, conflicting values, and possible options are described, and the person is asked to... choose how to proceedThey are very useful for training in decision-making and the analysis of alternatives.
Closed or analytical dilemma
In this type of dilemma, the decision has already been made and the consequences are described. actions done by the protagonist. The task of the reader or listener is not to decide what to do, but appreciate The behavior, the reasons, and the consequences. This format helps develop critical thinking skills and analyze the consistency of decisions with ethical principles.
Complete and incomplete dilemmas
The complete dilemmas These are the ones in which the consequences of each option are explicitly stated, so that the person can clearly assess the advantages and disadvantages of the decisions. In contrast, incomplete dilemmas They do not detail all the consequences and require the person solving them to imagine possible results, anticipate risks, and complete the information based on their own experience.
Professional life and ethics: why so many dilemmas arise
A person's professional life influences the development and value of ethics; many people belong to the field of medicine, education, journalism, or business administrationwho must face ethical dilemmas every day.
While it is true that this value accompanies them from the beginning of their studies, it can sometimes become a headache, since despite the existence ethical and deontological codes Despite being taught in universities and companies, one is not always prepared to analyze complex situations that require great effort and sensitivity.
In practice, multiple factors converge: institutional pressures, legal requirements, customer or user expectations, personal beliefs, and economic and cultural demands. All of this means that the application of ethical principles is not mechanical, but rather requires careful consideration. prudent judgment and the ability to prioritize conflicting values.
Sometimes, the conflict occurs between two ethical principles (for example, confidentiality and beneficence); in others, between ethics and the law; or between the professional's personal values and the demands of their role. Tensions also frequently exist between what the professional code dictates and the organization culture (for example, pressure to manipulate data, accelerate processes, or prioritize economic benefit).
Frequent ethical dilemmas
Among the professions exposed to frequent ethical dilemmas, we can find the following:
Psychology
This is completely related to the insights that the professional acquires from their patients. On every occasion that the person attends a psychological consultation, the professional must assure them that the information is treated under confidentiality.
There are some very alarming cases in which the professional questions this principle, and that is when they arise professional ethical conflictsThis usually happens when the professional is in introspection or when the moral obligation to protect the patient and the legal requirements to inform intersect.
At other times, this dilemma is caused by a possible legal solution that the professional feels it is their right or duty to disclose. A clear example: when a patient reveals abuse and rape by a family member to the professional, the professional is obligated to take legal action to protect the victim, even if this means breaking confidentiality.
In these cases, the principle of charity (protecting the patient and potential future victims) and the one of confidentialityThe psychologist must assess the immediate risks, the legal framework that obliges or allows him to inform, and the least invasive way to act to reduce harm.
What do you think? Is the psychologist obliged to proceed legally?
Education
Educators frequently encounter these types of dilemmas; this is due to the freedom professionals have in some regions to decide on the insights that will give to their students.
The type and manner of assessment to be applied, in conjunction with the religious values and principles that children and adolescents hold regarding the education they receive at home, must be considered. The educator must balance the formative autonomy of the school with respect for the beliefs of families and the right of students to receive truthful information based on scientific knowledge.
A clear example of a professional dilemma occurs when the teacher or educator, as an ethical professional, is obligated to address topics such as... sex educationSome representatives are not in favor of open and responsible sex education, and therefore, the teacher finds himself immersed in this dilemma, having to choose between respecting these positions or guaranteeing his students tools to take care of their health and prevent risks.
What do you think? Is the educator in the obligation to impart open and responsible sexual education regardless of the different religious and moral beliefs of his students?
Medicine and Nursing
At present, there is a phenomenon controversial cause called abortionThis topic has been discussed in different countries around the world; in most, free and responsible sexuality has been approved where the woman fully decides about her sexuality and pregnancy, in other countries it remains an illegal and taboo subject.
Abortion is a clear example of the ethical professional dilemmas which are frequently encountered by medical professionals. Both in countries where this practice is legal and in those where it is not, healthcare personnel must make decisions regarding their conscientious objection, respect for patient autonomy, interpretation of the law and protection of life in gestation.
Beyond abortion, medicine faces other intense dilemmas such as the use of experimental treatments, the limitation of therapeutic effort in terminally ill patients, the allocation of scarce resources (ICU beds, organs for transplantation) or the information that should be given to patients and family members about serious diagnoses.
What do you think? Is the doctor obliged to induce an abortion even if this procedure is illegal in your locality or goes against your moral and religious beliefs?
Journalism
This is one of the most beautiful professions of the world, but it also presents many ethical dilemmas. One of the characteristics of journalism is the ability to access “secret” information and the power that the journalist has over it. destination of the information that has.
Some government entities recognize the importance of having journalism on their side; sometimes, corrupt officials offer large sums of money to journalists to protect sensitive information they possess about government actions and procedures. This is where the conflict arises... informational honesty, the right of citizens to be informed and the professional's own safety.
This is a clear example of professional ethical dilemmas, where the journalist is exposed to great risks: persecution, threats, job loss, or even danger to their life. They must decide between their commitment to the truth and their self-protection, often in contexts of great vulnerability.
What do you think? Should the journalist fulfill his passion and profession even if he puts his life at risk?
Information technology
For the professional in charge of protecting and develop information technologies, it can be very difficult to work in a harmonious environment.
A clear example of this can occur when a professional receives sensitive informationHowever, this data can be used for the benefit of humanity, such as large databases with patterns that could detect diseases or prevent crimes. The ethical question is whether it is legitimate to use this data beyond the purpose for which it was collected.
Another scenario might involve handling information about a colleague who has not performed their job duties correctly, hindering the smooth operation of the company. This creates a conflict between... loyalty to the comrade, the duty to report irregularities and the responsibility towards the organization and towards users or clients.
What do you think? Should this information be hidden or should it be disclosed to superiors to ensure compliance with the law?
Classic ethical dilemmas for reflection
In addition to real professional cases, over time other approaches have been developed classic ethical dilemmas These are used to explore moral reasoning and the values that guide our decisions. Some of the best-known examples are the following:
Heinz Dilemma: Heinz's wife is seriously ill, and there's a drug that could save her, but the pharmacist is charging an exorbitant price. Heinz can't raise the money, and the question arises whether he should steal medicine to save his wife's life. This case explores the priority we give to life, the law, private property, and justice.
Trolley Problem: An out-of-control trolley is heading straight for five people tied to the track. You are standing next to a lever that could divert the trolley onto another track where there is only one person. The decision is do not intervene and allow five people to die, or act and cause the death of one. This dilemma shows the tension between an ethics of consequences (minimizing total harm) and an ethics of principles (not directly causing someone's death).
Prisoner's Dilemma: Two suspects are interrogated separately. If one confesses and the other doesn't, the one who confesses goes free and the other receives the maximum sentence; if both confess, they receive a moderate sentence; if neither confesses, both receive a light sentence. Here we see the conflict between cooperate y betrayand how individual decisions influence one another. Although it is a dilemma widely used in economics and game theory, it also has ethical implications regarding trust and loyalty.
The noble thief: A person robs a bank but uses the money to save an impoverished orphanage. The question arises whether we should report the crime and withdraw the money, negatively impacting the children, or look the other way. This dilemma pits strict adherence to the law against compassion and social justice.
The exam: A student inadvertently sees a classmate's answer to a question he didn't know the answer to. He knows he probably won't be able to remember it himself. He must decide between use the answer that he has seen and obtain an unfair benefit or leave the question blank and be consistent with academic honesty.
Ethical dilemmas in everyday real life
Although some of the dilemmas above may seem distant, the truth is that in real life we all face them. difficult decisions with ethical implications.
We can observe how an acquaintance commits an unethical act, witness a case of bullyingA street fight, an act of discrimination, or an injustice at work. In these cases, the question arises as to whether intervene, report it, talk to the person involved, or stay out of it.
Situations also arise on a personal and family level, such as discovering a infidelity towards a loved one, learning a sensitive secret, or becoming embroiled in conflicts of interest. In the professional sphere, in addition to what has already been mentioned, one can observe malpractice, pressure to falsify information, favoritism, or decisions that affect the well-being of others.
In all these scenarios, ethical dilemmas force us to ask ourselves what we value most: the customerJustice, the protection of others, truth, personal safety, job security, among many other factors. There isn't always a single answer, but the act of conscious reflection is already an important step toward more responsible behavior.
What are ethical dilemmas for?
Studying and reflecting on ethical dilemmas is valuable beyond academic philosophy. They play a key role in... personal and professional development.
One of the main benefits is the development of critical thinkingWhen analyzing a dilemma, people must evaluate the consequences of their decisions, weigh different values, and reflect on which principles take priority in each situation. This allows them to approach complex problems with a more open and structured mind and make more informed decisions.
Ethical dilemmas also serve as self-knowledge toolThey force us to ask ourselves which values are truly important and why. In this way, each individual can build a more coherent ethical framework, discover their own inconsistencies, and develop greater self-awareness. moral responsibility in response to their actions.
Furthermore, they are a fundamental pedagogical tool in fields such as medicine, psychology, law, business, education or the public administration. Practicing with real or fictitious cases allows one to anticipate conflicts that may arise in practice, internalize ethical codes, and train skills in dialogue, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Finally, ethical dilemmas foster greater sensitivity to the impact of our decisions on others and on society. By understanding that almost every action has far-reaching repercussions, the willingness to act ethicallyeven when it means giving up certain personal benefits.
How to address an ethical dilemma
To better explain this topic, we have studied the opinions of Leonardo Amaya, psychologist and professor in the Psychology Program at Universidad del Rosario, and Wilson Herrera, director of the Master's Program in Philosophy at the same university; both evaluate a professional ethical dilemma through the lens of psychology, and teach us, through simple steps, how to address an ethical dilemma:
- Think coldly: Whenever these types of topics are to be addressed, the components of the conversation must be completely within the range of non-visceral behavior, thus ensuring that the transmission of the message is much more respectful and pleasant for everyone.
- Do not make decisions without first considering them: Whether it's a professional dilemma involving third parties or a completely personal decision, the possible consequences should be considered in all cases. risks, consequences and victories that this ethical dilemma will bring.
- Evaluate all possible solutions: All solutions must be evaluated in consensus with third parties, ensuring that the common welfare that it is not 100% affected and that the most vulnerable people receive the greatest possible protection.
These steps can also include consulting on professional codes of ethicsSeeking advice from ethics committees or trusted colleagues, and reviewing applicable legislation are all important considerations. The more information and conscious reflection incorporated into the decision, the greater the likelihood of acting in a way that is consistent with personal and professional values.
Professional ethical dilemmas test our convictions, reveal the tensions between equally valuable values, and invite us to mature as individuals and professionals, turning each complex decision into an opportunity to strengthen our judgment and our commitment to the common good.