Ethical Dilemmas

These flashcards cover key concepts related to ethical dilemmas as outlined in the lecture notes.

What is an ethical dilemma?

An ethical dilemma occurs when any available option requires the agent to violate or compromise their ethical standards.

Epistemic dilemma

Occurs when a moral agent lacks sufficient knowledge or information to determine the morally right course of action.

Self-imposed dilemma

A situation created by the agent's own actions or errors in judgment, forcing a choice between irreconcilable obligations.

World-imposed dilemma

An avoidable ethical conflict arising from external forces or events that create a difficult choice with no ideal option.

Obligation dilemma

A scenario where fulfilling one moral duty necessitates violating another, resulting in two morally unacceptable options.

Prohibition dilemma

Presents a situation where all choices are morally prohibited, leading to a choice between two morally reprehensible options.

Single agent dilemma

A moral situation where a single agent must choose between two or more equally valid or conflicting obligations.

Multi-person dilemma

Involves several persons who must reach a consensual decision on a moral issue, facing conflicting choices between self-interest and collective benefit.