What is a moral dilemma and how is it resolved?

At some point in our lives we find ourselves in unfortunate situations that require us to make a decision that challenges our beliefs and our moral values. Do you remember a circumstance in which you had to make a decision and each possible option was equally terrible? We call this crossroads that life puts us at a moral dilemma.

Faced with these types of dilemmas, We have a moral duty to act in one way, but we are pressured or tempted to act in another way. What are the characteristics of moral dilemmas? How can we get out of the indecision in which these dilemmas immerse us? Let’s dig deeper.

What is a moral dilemma?

It is a conflict that arises in situations in which we have to consider two or more moral values but we can only choose one. We are in the middle of several options that require us to make a decision that, in the end, will end up “offending” an important moral value.

These dilemmas arise when, in a complicated situation, two or more values ​​of equal importance come into conflict. Importance is key for there to be a dilemma, since indecision depends on it. For example, if it is not relevant for you to tell the truth, you will have no problem telling a lie when it is warranted. On the other hand, if it is, it is more difficult for you to tell a lie, unless another value more valuable to you is at stake, for example, life.

A moral dilemma is characterized by requiring us to perform two or more actions that, due to circumstances, conflict. and that not all of them can be carried out. The moral conflict that is generated in the dilemma prevents us from following a course of action consistent with the moral principles and values ​​that are essential for our lives.

Let’s look at a classic dilemma (the Heinz dilemma) that well exemplifies what we have been saying:

In Europe there is a woman who suffers from a serious illness and is going to die. There is a medicine that can save her. This is expensive and the pharmacist is charging ten times what it actually costs.

Heinz, the sick woman’s husband, goes to everyone he knows to ask for the money, but he only manages to raise half of it. He tells the pharmacist that his wife is dying and asks him to sell him medicine, but the pharmacist refuses. Heinz is desperate and thinks about robbing the establishment.

What should Heinz do? Steal the medicine or not steal it and let his wife die?

When we have to choose between one or two more values ​​of equal importance, we find ourselves facing a moral dilemma.

How to resolve a moral dilemma?

Next, we will review the stages of the method Progress, proposed by LeBon and Arnaud (2004), to resolve moral dilemmas and help people make wise decisions.

Stage 1. Understand the situation

Before making any decision regarding the moral dilemma you are going through, you must reflect and understand the situation you find yourself in. Without this understanding you can end up choosing the wrong way.

Analyze the dilemma accurately, completely and reasonably. The following tips can help you at this stage:

Give an accurate, impartial and complete description of the situation. Where are you at this moment in your life? How did you arrive at this dilemma? Clearly describe the decision you want to make. Become aware of what your emotions and thoughts are telling you about the dilemma.

Stage 2. Define what matters

Think about what you want to achieve, what is important for your life project.. If you do not reflect on your goals, it is difficult for you to develop an action plan that will help you resolve the dilemma and get closer to the life you want to have.

Creating objectives will also help you decide what qualities you would like the solution to have. Keep the following guidelines in mind:

Imagine that you have the power to implement a solution. Why would this be a good solution? What are the values ​​that are fulfilled if it is carried out? Think about what values ​​and objectives are really desirable and fundamental for you. Make a list of values ​​that you want to achieve. Evaluate and critically weigh these values.

Stage 3. Generate options

After having carefully analyzed the moral dilemma and having clarified your values ​​and what you want to achieve, It is time for you to creatively generate new options. It’s understandable that you feel stuck in conflict, but you need to formulate some solutions. To achieve this, keep in mind:

Brainstorm. Don’t evaluate the options as you formulate them. Don’t inhibit yourself, feel free to write down the options that come to mind. Let new ideas emerge from the ones you’ve already been writing down.

Stage 4. Evaluate the options

Once you have determined several options, It is time for you to evaluate them carefully, based on your values ​​and objectives. Choose the one that is in tune with what is really important for your life. Find an option that:

Be appropriate to the dilemma you are trying to solve. Be relevant to the situation you find yourself in. Satisfy as many values ​​as possible.

The search for alternatives is key to making a decision when faced with a moral dilemma.

Stage 5. Implement the decision

When you have chosen an option to resolve the dilemma, perform a final check and determine how you will carry it out. It is necessary that in this process you supervise and evaluate the results or impacts that the solution generates, both for your life and for the lives of others. Try the following:

Check that the decision you have selected is a good decision. Think about how to implement the decision in the face of the dilemma. Plan, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the decision in the face of the moral dilemma. Commit to your decision and act.

Although moral dilemmas place us in a difficult situation, they are also a path of self-knowledge that leads us to recognize those values ​​that are important for our lives and that give, moment by moment, meaning to our existence.

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