Mains Marathon 2024

Approach

• Give a brief introduction about the ethical dilemma.
• Discuss ethical dilemmas as moral compass.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

An ethical dilemma is a situation in which a person is faced with two or more conflicting moral choices, where adhering to one moral principle may result in the violation of another. This scenario often forces individuals to confront their deepest values and beliefs, revealing their true moral compass—the internalized set of ethical standards that guide their decisions and actions.

Body

Ethical Dilemmas as Moral Compass:

• Revealing Core Values:
  • Ethical dilemmas require individuals to prioritize certain values over others.
    • Satyendra Dubey, a young Indian Engineering Service (IES) officer, exposed corruption in the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), prioritizing truthfulness over organizational loyalty despite personal risks.
• Testing Moral Integrity:
  • Dilemmas challenge individuals to act in ways that are consistent with their professed beliefs. When faced with a difficult choice, the decision made can reveal whether a person’s actions align with their stated moral principles, thus serving as a test of moral integrity.
    • Known for his integrity and honesty, IAS officer Ashok Khemka has exposed several corruption scandals during his career, despite facing numerous transfers and threats.
• Highlighting Ethical Flexibility:
  • Ethical dilemmas often involve complex, context-specific situations where rigid adherence to one principle might lead to undesirable outcomes.
    • In the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, IPS officer Chhaya Sharma showed ethical flexibility by balancing strict adherence to legal protocols with pragmatic decisions to expedite the investigation and ensure justice.
• Uncovering Hidden Biases:
  • In resolving ethical dilemmas, unconscious biases or preconceived notions may come to the fore.
    • In Sabarimala Temple Entry Controversy (2018),the Supreme Court's decision to allow women of all ages into the Sabarimala Temple faced widespread protests in Kerala, revealing deep-rooted gender biases and cultural resistance to change.

Conclusion

To face ethical dilemmas, one must understand their core values, assess the consequences of their actions, and consider diverse perspectives. Resolving conflicting moral choices not only demonstrates adherence to ethical frameworks but also reveals one's true character and commitment to ethical principles, emphasizing transparency and prioritizing the public good.