Ethical Dilemmas
An ethical dilemma is a situation the presents no truly wrong answer but rather options that both could be considered as equally right. When faced with an ethical dilemma a person is forced to assume that no matter what choice is made certain values will have to be abandoned by turning down the other option and a person will be lift with the feeling of what could have been.
In order for a person to resolve an ethical dilemma they must fully analyze and weigh all of the factors involved in the both options. A person must consider not only consider the consequences/benefits but also the actions involved with each choice. Once a full analysis of the situation is complete a person will be able to decide which "right" choice is actually more right, and make a final decision.
Ethical Reasoning is the process a person uses when faced with an ethical dilemma. Lawrence Kohlberg developed the following levels to explain how and when people develop their own ethical reasoning process.
In order for a person to resolve an ethical dilemma they must fully analyze and weigh all of the factors involved in the both options. A person must consider not only consider the consequences/benefits but also the actions involved with each choice. Once a full analysis of the situation is complete a person will be able to decide which "right" choice is actually more right, and make a final decision.
Ethical Reasoning is the process a person uses when faced with an ethical dilemma. Lawrence Kohlberg developed the following levels to explain how and when people develop their own ethical reasoning process.
Level 1: Preconventional |
Stage 1: Obedience and punishment orientation.A person is focused on avoidance of punishment and deference to power and authority-that is, something is right or wrong because a recognized authority figure says it is.
Stage 2: Individualism, intrumentalism, and exchange.As a more organized and advanced form of stage 1, a person is focused on satisfying his or her own needs-that is, something is right or wrong because it helps the person get what he or she wants or needs.
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Level 2: Conventional |
Stage 3: "Good boy/nice girl" orientation.At this stage a person is focused on meeting the expectations of family members-that is, something is right or wrong because it pleases those family members. Stereotypical behavior is recognized , and conformity to that behavior develops.
Stage 4: Law-and-order orientation.At this stage a person is increasingly aware of his or her membership in a society and the existence of codes of behavior-that is, something is right or wrong because of codes of legal, religious, or social behavior dictate it.
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Level 3: Postconventional |
Stage 5: Social contract legalistic orientation.At this stage, a person is focused on individual rights and the development of standards based on critical examination-that is, something is right or wrong because it has withstood scrutiny by the society in which the principle is accepted.
Stage 6: Universal ethical principal orientation.At this stage, a person is focused on self-chosen ethical principals that are found to be comprehensive and consistent-that is, something is right or wrong because it reflects that person's individual value system and the conscious choices he or she makes in life.
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(Ghillyer, 2012, p. 11)