Ethical Issues
Navigating Complex Moral Dilemmas
Ayeza Azmat 22-Arid-4456
Use cases
• A doctor faces a dilemma:
• patient autonomy (the right to know)
• and the potential emotional impact on the patient
What should the doctor do?
• An examiner discovers that a student has cheated on a university
exam:
• maintain academic integrity by addressing cheating
• consider the student's future
What should the examiner do?
Understanding Ethics
• Ethics refers to principles that govern a person's behavior, guiding
their choices and actions based on moral values and standards.
Importance:
• Ethical considerations play a pivotal role in decision-making across
various domains.
No Absolute Right Decision
• In complex ethical dilemmas, there might not be a single, right choice.
• There are wrong decisions and less wrong decisions.
• If you pull the train track switch:
• 3 worker dies
• If you don’t:
• 1 worker dies
No Absolute Right Decision
• In complex ethical dilemmas, there might not be a single, right choice.
• There are wrong decisions and less wrong decisions.
Wrong Decisions:
• Defined by actions that significantly breach ethical principles or
values.
Less Wrong Decisions:
• While not perfect, these decisions aim to minimize harm and uphold
ethical principles to the greatest extent possible.
Respect for Individual
Perspectives
• Individuals bring diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and values to ethical
decision-making.
• In complex situations, opinions vary widely due to differing ethical
frameworks and personal experiences.
Opting for the 'Less Wrong' Choice:
• Acknowledging diverse opinions, decision-makers often navigate
towards the 'less wrong' choice.
• This decision aims to balance conflicting views and minimize harm,
respecting varying ethical standpoints.
Respect for Individual
Perspectives
• Individuals bring diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and values to ethical
decision-making.
• In complex situations, opinions vary widely due to differing ethical
frameworks and personal experiences.
Opting for the 'Less Wrong' Choice:
• Acknowledging diverse opinions, decision-makers often navigate
towards the 'less wrong' choice.
• This decision aims to balance conflicting views and minimize harm,
respecting varying ethical standpoints.
Any Questions?
Thank You
