SOC. SCI.
12: ETHICS
MODULE # 3
TEACHER: HENRY P. BILAN
TITLE/TOPIC: Moral Dilemma
OBJECTIVES:
1. Define what moral dilemma is.
2. Detect a moral dilemma.
3. Demonstrate understanding on the three levels of moral dilemmas.
OVERVIEW
Not all issues, problems or dilemmas people encounter in everyday life are moral in nature.
Thus, there is a need to understand what a moral dilemma is as well as its three levels. In this
lesson, we will be able to detect moral dilemmas and classify them whether they are systemic,
organizational or individual.
DISCUSSION
What is moral dilemma?
A moral dilemma is a situation in which a person faces conflicting moral principles or values,
making it difficult to determine the right course of action. It often involves choosing between two or
more actions, each of which has moral consequences, and no option seems clearly preferable.
According to Kidder (2009), a moral dilemma occurs when individuals must choose between two
equally right but conflicting values, often leading to ethical uncertainty and emotional struggle.
Examples of Moral Dilemma
1. Fairness vs. Compassion
A student misses the final exam due to a family emergency but lacks official documentation.
Dilemma: Do you strictly follow the rules and give a failing grade, or do you allow a makeup
exam out of compassion, possibly setting a precedent?
2. Confidentiality vs. Student Safety
A student confides in you about experiencing abuse at home but begs you not to tell anyone.
Dilemma: Do you respect the student’s trust and keep it confidential, or do you report it to
authorities to protect the child, risking their trust?
3. Equity vs. Excellence
You’re assigning students to a science competition. One student is high-performing, while another is
less skilled but could benefit from the experience.
Dilemma: Do you choose the student most likely to win (excellence) or the one who needs
the opportunity most (equity)?
4. Honesty vs. School Reputation
You discover that standardized test results were inflated by administrators to secure funding.
Dilemma: Do you report the wrongdoing, risking the school’s reputation and resources, or
stay silent to protect the institution?
5. Cultural Respect vs. Curriculum Standards
A student’s religious beliefs conflict with teaching evolution or sex education in science class.
Dilemma: Do you adapt the lesson to avoid conflict, or teach the standard curriculum despite
possible offense?
Three levels of moral dilemmas (individual, organizational, systemic)
1. SYSTEMIC (Macro Level)
At a macro level, sometimes called the systemic level, ethics are defined and influenced by the
wider operating environment in which the company exists. Factors such as political pressures,
economic conditions, societal attitudes to certain businesses, and even business regulation
can influence a company's operating standards and policies. Business owners and managers must
be aware of how these pressures affect operations and relationships, and how they may impact on
markets locally, nationally and internationally.
Ex. R.A. 6713 “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees”
Why? Because this law is applicable to all public officials and employees in the Philippines. It
includes all members within the system – it is universal.
Sec. 4, par. h. Simple living. - Public officials and employees and their families shall lead
modest lives appropriate to their positions and income.
2. ORGANIZATIONAL (Company Level)
At a company or corporate level, ethical standards are embedded in the policies and procedures
of the organization, and form an important foundation on which business strategy is built. These
policies derive from the influences felt at macro level and therefore help a business to respond to
changing pressures in the most effective way. There can be a gap between the company policy on
ethical standards and the conduct of those in charge of running the business, especially if they are
not the direct owners, which can present an ethical challenge for some employees.
Ex. “Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers”
Why? Because this code of ethics is applicable only to a certain organization/agency – education
sector particularly teachers. This is a guide for all those part of the organization.
Sec. 6, Art. II. – A teacher shall not use his position or facial authority or influence to coerce any
other person to follow any political course of action.
3. INDIVIDUAL (Individual Level)
Since businesses are run by people, the ethical standards of individuals in the business are an
important consideration. Individuals may well have a very different set of ethical standards from their
employer and this can lead to tensions. Factors such as peer pressure, personal financial
position, and socio-economic status all may influence individual ethical standards. Managers and
business owners should be aware of this to manage potential conflicts.
Ex. Teacher Peter’s personal ethical standards.
Why? His ethical standards may or may not be the same with his organization or with the universal
system. It means, his ethical standards may be pro or against or in conflict with any other standards
may it be organizational or systemic.
ACTIVITY
1. In your own understanding, what is moral dilemma?
2. Narrate a story in your life where you experienced a moral dilemma.
3. Based on current events here and abroad, give an example of a moral dilemma under each
level.
Kidder, R. M. (2009). How good people make tough choices: Resolving the dilemmas of ethical
living (Rev. ed.). Harper.