Ethics & Current Events Dilemmas

docx

School

Baker College, Auburn Hills *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

2210

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Jan 9, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by hudamousa23

Introduction In today's dynamic world, ethical dilemmas frequently emerge across different facets of society. Making ethical decisions requires the capacity to identify and understand these dilemmas. Kidder's dilemma paradigms offer a useful framework for analyzing complex ethical issues. This assignment is a practical exercise in applying Kidder's paradigms to a current real- world event, with a focus on problem identification and ethical considerations. Summarize the Current Event The recent COVID-19 pandemic will be analyzed for this project, using Kidder's paradigms to provide insight into ethical dilemmas. The unexpected coronavirus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic has spread over the world and presented difficult ethical dilemmas at many society levels. It has been thoroughly discussed in a wide range of news stories and studies, encompassing several ethical facets. We will look at the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it relates to ethics in this summary The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in late 2019, has left a profound impact on individuals, communities, governments, and the global economy. It has unearthed numerous ethical questions, from equitable access to healthcare and the allocation of limited medical resources to the debate over individual liberties versus collective health. The epidemic has highlighted two critical dilemmas: "Truth vs. Loyalty" and "Short-term vs. Long-term." The former presents a dilemma in balancing the need to convey the unpleasant reality of the pandemic's impact on public health while also sustaining public trust and order. The latter, on the other hand, forces us to consider the ethical ramifications of immediate relief measures

versus potential long-term consequences. These dilemmas call for a careful examination of the ethical intricacies embedded within the pandemic's fabric. Identify the Dilemma Paradigm(s) The ethical aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic are clarified by Kidder's dilemma paradigms.  Truth vs. Loyalty: Kidder's "Truth vs. Loyalty" paradigm captures an important dilemma that the pandemic presents. Governments and organizations around the world have struggled to strike a balance between publicizing the true magnitude of the pandemic, even if it means risking public fear and erosion of faith, and downplaying the severity to maintain public morale and trust. This dilemma highlights the ethical difficulty of maintaining the duty to tell the truth while preserving public confidence, especially in cases where the truth is unpalatable. Reasoning and Support:  The paradigm emphasizes the core ethical dilemma of balancing the responsibility to provide truthful information with the obligation to protect public trust. In the context of the pandemic, it becomes evident that the responsibility to provide accurate information to the public is essential to curb the virus's spread and save lives.  Kidder's paradigm emphasizes that this dilemma makes people consider the repercussions of hiding important facts or downplaying the severity of the situation in order to maintain loyalty. As demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, lying can have detrimental effects on public health. In certain situations, governments originally minimized the virus's seriousness, which may have hindered early responses. The paradigm emphasizes the moral requirement of openness and honesty. The people has a

right to accurate data so they can decide for themselves what is best for their safety and health. This ethical responsibility is particularly crucial in a public health crisis like COVID-19, where timely and honest information can save lives.  Short-term vs. Long-term: The "Short-term vs. Long-term" paradigm is visible in governments' and organizations' responses to the pandemic. It emphasizes the ethical tension between implementing short-term measures for immediate relief or economic recovery and the potential long-term consequences of these actions. For example, reopening enterprises prematurely for immediate economic gain may come at the expense of long-term public health and socioeconomic repercussions. It urges a more thoughtful approach to pandemic management, emphasizing the importance of ethical foresight. Reasoning and Support:  The paradigm illuminates the ethical implications of sacrificing long-term well-being and ethical values for short-term profits. In the framework of COVID-19, it becomes clear that decisions influenced by immediate economic incentives, such as prematurely reopening enterprises, may come at the expense of public health and may have long- term health and economic consequences.  As Kidder's paradigm emphasizes, decisions made today have far-reaching consequences for the future. In the case of the pandemic, choices made on vaccination plans, containment tactics, and the distribution of healthcare resources will have a long-term effect on the community at large as well as on future generations. Therefore, ethical foresight and consideration of long-term consequences are crucial.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Conclusion The COVID-19 epidemic exemplifies the intricacies of ethical dilemmas in current challenges. Applying Kidder's dilemma paradigms helps to highlight the complex moral conflicts at the heart of the pandemic's many problems. Through this analysis, we develop a deeper understanding of the ethical considerations governing decision-making, providing a pathway to more informed and ethical responses to global crises. As we navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, the recognition of truth, loyalty, short-term, and long-term considerations emphasizes the pivotal role of ethical problem identification as the foundation for effective ethical decision-making. This awareness guides us towards more ethical and equitable responses to future challenges.

References Chamsi-Pasha, H., Chamsi-Pasha, M., & Albar, M. (2020). Ethical Dilemmas in the Era of COVID- 19. Avicenna Journal of Medicine , 10 (3), 102. https://doi.org/10.4103/ajm.ajm_119_20 Kidder, R. M. (2009). How good people make tough choices : resolving the dilemmas of ethical living . Harper.

Ethics & Current Events Dilemmas

Related Documents