What is an ethical dilemma?

An ethical dilemma is characterized by a situation in which an individual is faced with conflicting ethical principles that require a choice between two or more possible courses of action. This complexity arises when the values or moral standards involved are in opposition, making it difficult to determine the right course of action.

In essence, option C accurately reflects this definition by emphasizing that one must navigate between these conflicting ethical principles, often leading to challenging decisions. The core of an ethical dilemma lies in the challenge of reconciling these competing values, which can involve considerations such as honesty, integrity, loyalty, and harm to others, among others.

Understanding ethical dilemmas is crucial because they frequently arise in professional and personal contexts, requiring individuals to carefully assess the implications of their choices on multiple stakeholders. This concept not only explores the intersection of ethics with decision-making but also underlines the importance of critically evaluating the consequences of different actions in light of varied ethical standards.