Many situations can raise ethical concerns, particularly in the face of disagree

Question

Many situations can raise ethical concerns, particularly in the face of disagreement and conflict between parties. However, not all situations of an ethical nature result in a values conflict or constitute an ethical dilemma. Consider the following cases: 1. Two physicians disagree on the course of treatment for a patient creating conflict between members of the patient’s family. 2. A commercial plane filled with passengers is hijacked and an F-16 fighter jet is called to prevent the plane from crashing into schools and government buildings. Loss of life (in the air or on the ground) is likely. Which of the cases is an example of an ethical dilemma? Why? Explain the characteristics of an ethical dilemma. How do they differ from those of other situations resulting in disagreement between conflicting preferences, needs, or expectations? please include refrence

Explanation / Answer

Second scenario, a commercial plane filled with passengers is hijacked and an F-16 fighter jet is called to prevent the plane from crashing into schools and government buildings and loss of life (in the air or on the ground) is likely because loss of life is inevitable at both the sides. Ethical principles state that an ethical behaviour is to increase happiness for many but at the same time reduces harm.

Ethical dilemma occurs when one has to decide to choose one of the two possible choices when both of them are not preferable or morally acceptable. The F-16 pilot has a dilemma now whether to attack the hijacked plane and kill more people or allow it to crash and kill more students.

Conflicting ideas, preferences, needs and expectations are between people and it’s not going to affect anyone because people in pluralistic societies have conflicting ideas, preferences, needs and expectations but they are bound by the law. It is more of personal choice or group choice where no harm is done to the other party and it’s between people but ethical dilemma is most often occurs within a person.

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