examples of ethical dilemmas
1. A doctor is faced with the decision to prioritize the health and well-being of one patient over another due to limited resources and time constraints.
2. An employee discovers that their boss is engaging in fraudulent activities and must decide whether to report the behavior and risk their job security or remain silent.
3. A journalist is presented with sensitive information that could harm innocent individuals if it is published, and must weigh the consequences of exposing the truth versus protecting the privacy of those involved.
4. A social worker is asked to prioritize the needs of one client over another due to limited resources, and must navigate the ethical implications of providing fair and equal treatment to all clients.
5. A teacher witnesses a student cheating on a test and must decide whether to address the behavior and uphold academic integrity or turn a blind eye to maintain a positive relationship with the student.
6. A business owner faces a decision to cut costs by outsourcing production to a company with poor labor practices, and must weigh the financial benefits against the ethical implications of supporting exploitative practices.
7. A lawyer is asked to defend a client they believe to be guilty of a serious crime, and must navigate the ethical dilemma of upholding their professional duty to provide a zealous defense while also considering the potential harm to society and victims.
8. A parent discovers that their child has been engaging in harmful behavior, such as drug use, and must decide how to address the situation in a way that balances their duty to protect their child with the need for consequences and accountability.
9. A researcher is faced with the decision to publish a study with promising results that have been manipulated or falsified, and must navigate the ethical implications of presenting inaccurate information to the scientific community.
10. A politician must decide whether to prioritize their personal beliefs and values or the interests of their constituents and political party when making decisions that impact public policy and legislation.