Ethical Isues

Ethical Isues

1. Introduction
We have to make decisions in many areas of our lives and not all of these decisions are easy to make. Some require us to seek advice from others while others require us to look into our own beliefs and values. The latter one can be called as ethical dilemma.
In this essay, I will be sharing on the definitions of ethical dilemma, what makes the decision an ethical issue. Also, I will be sharing a case that I was handling and use it as an example. The name of the client has been changed to protect his identity.

2. Definition of Ethical Dilemma
Ethics can be defined as a system of moral principles, rules of conduct recognised in respect to a particular group. Dilemma is a situation whereby a decision is required to be made between equally undesirable alternatives. The choice that is made will depend on a few factors. The decision will usually be made with the values of the decision maker and the facts of the situation.
The values that dictate the decisions made can be individual, social or even political. Individual values are not shared and not binding on a wide group of people. The individual values of a person may have been formed in a few ways like his upbringing, beliefs and religion background. Social values are usually shared by many and are binding to all. Political values are values that the society accepts as the “best”. These values dictate the way the society should be and affects its structure and functions of individuals.
As a human service worker, there will be times that I have to face ethical dilemmas. When faced with such situations, my personal values, the social values as well as the political values would be in conflict with one another. This is when I would have to look into the values that govern me to help me make the decisions.
Ethical dilemmas can, therefore, be defined as a situation which requires the making of a choice out of two equal alternatives. The two choices are usually unwelcome and will often...