Question

In preparing for your Ethical Dilemma paper, you will write a 1-2 page paper introducing the ethical dilemma you plan to discuss in your paper, and identifying potential ethical principles that might apply.

Answer 1

Without ethical principles no professionals can to work. They need to be guided by morality. Ethics builds nature and in every sphere of life we need ethics. But in some case it is difficult to maintain the ethics for the wellbeing of the larger section people. In many cases there is the conflict between ethics and work. All the works are not ethically permitted though the situation demands the action. This contradictory situation is called ethical dilemma.

Etbical dilemma presents critical situation. In every profession, ethical dilemma is a major factor. Such a conflict causes critical situation in one's life. The consultant or expert handles the case according to his own efficiency. He needs to meditate over the matter and its consequence. So, the perception of the consequences depends on the ability to think the matter. It needs seriousness. Based on the examples of the previous evidences, the expert takes decision.

As a psychologist one needs to face many such situations. As for example, there is the issue of marriage. A person is under my treatment. According to one's professional ethics he is bound to preserve all the details of the patient. He can not disclose them to the others. All the background details are recorded by him. But suddenly he comes to know that this person is going to marry a girl who is known to the psychologist and there is a relationship between two families. In such case, the expert should stop the marriage though it is the violation of the ethical issues. If he informs the girl's family that the person is under treatment, then they hesitate and the marriage may be prevented. He should do the same duty to others.

In such case, the professionals must think the consequences of the matter of future effect. He must think of the long lasting effect of temporary effect. If he finds that the following of the ethical law may temporarily cause trouble and after few days it would be very effective, then he can follow the ethical laws. But he finds that if he violates ethical laws and the concerned individual will get more lasting benefit, then he can do so. In the present case, the psychologist must inform the girl's family about the problem and then the decision is theirs.

Ethical dilemma raises the questions of social and moral duty. It may be religiously and ethically wrong to help in abortion. But when the mother's life is in danger and there is much possibility of death, then a portion can be supported. It is the moral and social duty and such violation of the ethical laws establishes humanity.