1) The Trolley Problem: In this scenario, a person is faced with the choice of pulling a lever to divert a runaway trolley that will kill five people on one track, but in doing so, it will kill one person on the other track. The dilemma lies in deciding whether to actively cause the death of one person to save five.
2) Whistleblowing: When an employee discovers unethical or illegal activities within their organization, they face the dilemma of whether to report it or remain silent. Whistleblowing can have serious consequences for the individual, such as retaliation or loss of employment, but it also raises questions about loyalty, responsibility, and the greater good.
3) Animal Testing: The use of animals in scientific experiments raises ethical concerns. On one hand, animal testing can lead to medical advancements and the development of life-saving treatments. On the other hand, it involves subjecting animals to pain and suffering, raising questions about the moral value of animal lives and the necessity of such experiments.
4) End-of-life decisions: When a person is terminally ill or in a vegetative state, their loved ones and healthcare professionals may face the ethical dilemma of deciding whether to continue life-sustaining treatments or withdraw them. This dilemma involves balancing the patient's autonomy, quality of life, and the potential burden of prolonging suffering.
5) Genetic engineering: The ability to modify genes and create genetically modified organisms (GMOs) raises ethical concerns. The dilemma lies in deciding whether the potential benefits, such as disease prevention or increased crop yields, outweigh the potential risks, such as unintended consequences or the violation of nature's integrity.
6) Privacy vs. Security: In the digital age, the collection and use of personal data for surveillance and security purposes raise ethical dilemmas. Balancing the need for public safety with individual privacy rights is a complex issue, as it involves considerations of personal autonomy, government intrusion, and the potential for abuse of power.