What are some of the best ways to resolve ethical dilemmas (see examples)?

Question

There are some things that are fairly straightforward ethical guidelines (for example: don't murder, don't lie, don't steal).

However, some events offer competing ethical choices:

+ Managing communications with an ex-spouse over parenting your children.
+ Fighting in an unjust war (for example, German soldiers in World War II).
+ Responding to a family where child abuse occurs.
+ Managing scarce resources (feeding your own family vs. feeding your starving neighbors).
+ Responding to environmental degradation.
+ Choosing whether to take psychiatric medications.

Instead of specifics, answer the following process questions:

WHAT PROCEDURE DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR RESOLVING THE DIFFICULT DILEMMAS THAT ARISE?

Do you involve others in the decisions or ponder them alone? Do you listen to competing ideas or focus on reinforcing your gut instinct? Do you follow the same course as your parents or chart a different one? What if others see a conflict where you see an issue as "black-or-white"?

Answer 1

Some may find this odd, but in situations such as you describe, I bring in all the opinions I can. I talk to friends, family, clergy, even the bartender. They seem to have heard it all between the bunch of them. Somewhere in the midst of all that usually lies a sensible answer.
When confronted with a new issue, I do my best to put off making a decision until I can ponder it and ask others what they think. Sometimes as in the case of an ex-wife, she has been thinking about something for days and BAM, she wants you to make a decision on the spot. Too often that is why men and women have conflict. The woman wants an instantaneous answer.
The environment is so big an issue that I know the only thing I can do is drive the cleanest vehicle I can. Recycle everything, and elect people who care about the environment. I do my part and leave the big picture up to them. It is they who will one day answer to God for polluting the world.

In every case one must decide where the brunt of responsibility lies. That's why it is good to think of these things before the situation arises. We just might have a ready answer....

Your question may help us to do just that....

Thanks......

Answer 2

first -- you can use a mediator. They are often helpful.
second -- I think we are all wondering the answer to that one.
third-- call social services, they generally use a supportive approach in working out family issues.
fourth -- food bank
fifth -- recycling
sixth -- prayer ( this is also the answer for all of the above)

I do my best to do what I feel is right for myself and my family. My gut instinct is usually fairly accurate as I believe God leads me in this way. If someone sees a conflict and I don't, I leave it alone after stating the facts. Why argue? Don't we all try hard to live a good life? I think most of us do. No real point in arguing. As long as my family is safe and nobod yios getting hurt, it really doesn't matter.

What a thought provoking question

Answer 3

I so know what it is like, to be in such a situation in the workplace - and to further, desire to "walk out and just quit". You are wise for hanging on - jobs are scarce, for the most experienced and education of people these days (it ain't over yet in this economy!) I think you need to give your conscience a rest...Because you already did the RIGHT THING, you registered a complaint and told your boss and this guy knows and I suspect, others do to. What I would do, however, is one step further - I would DOCUMENT absolutely that incident and HOW you handled, date, time, conversation(s) if you have it, for future reference OR need. Then? Henceforth I would document situation as it comes up again, date, time, conversation. You will be covering your tail in a court of law, believe me (trust me, I know what I'm talking about). One last thing, I would definitely get one further, objective opinion from an attorney who handles "whistleblowing" cases in your area...or someone like this who is familiar with workplace fraud. JUST for YOUR peace of mind right now, as I sense it really does trouble you and you hate being a part of it. It's amazing how such people can drag a person down ethically, isn't it? I know I was and remain appalled at all I've seen in the business world...In my situation? I had to bide my time for 6 months, keep my mouth shut (difficult to do...) and say NOTHING. When I dropped the bomb with a sweet smile on my face I was departing, they could not have been more, caught off-guard and in a bad way. I did it on MY terms - MY way and as I look back in time now, oh what sweet justice it was...just in the entire way I handled it, HARD as it was to remain calm and dignified. I left a letter for the company President that I understand stung him to the core...Enough said. Grace

Answer 4

Excellent question!

I do a few things. I ask people I trust what they would do. I try to be as objective as humanly possible and remove myself and my agenda from the situation.

I do tend to look for competing ideas once I have my "solution." I try to find someone with the opposite solution and see if I can defend my choice. (If I can't, then it's time to rethink.)

No, about half the time I chose something different than my parents would. But, if others see a conflict, where I see black and white, that would DEFINATELY ring alarm bells. Especially if its either a vast majority of others OR if its someone I respect.

Answer 5

The short answer is: Use your brain. You have to look at the situation and weight the pros and cons of each response.

There is no fixed list of rules that applies to every situation. Any such list would also become out of date rather quickly as society changes.

Whether you choose to involve others, use your instinct, follow advice, or whatnot; the ultimate decision of how you react comes down to you.

Answer 6

1. The 10 Commandments

2. Love thy neighbor as thy self.

3. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Spend some time in Prayer about it, if that still does not make it clear, I talk with a Priest.

Good Luck and God Bless!

Answer 7

by accepting that there is not only one answer to one question. I apply all methods depending on the question. I apply my choice of principals for my guidelines in making the final thought on matters.

Answer 8

My pastor’s wife taught us this with the acronym R-E-S-T

Reason
Experience
Scripture
Tradition

In other words
Use your best common sense
Consider your past experiences. Talk with others that have gained wisdom with experience.
Consider what scripture says
Consider traditional resolutions.

Answer 9

discernment....

Each situation you listed should be handled differently depending on the situation, the individual case, etc.

Answer 10

You do the best you can with all the insight you can gather.