Moral and Ethical Dilemmas
One of the most difficult trials I face in my life are ethical and moral
dilemmas. They can be soul-wrenching and searching experiences that tax my
character and cause me to really "put my money where my mouth is." Sometimes
I'm quick to see ethical faults in others, but slow to see them in myself.
Other times I see all to clearly my mistakes and wonder why I don't measure up.
I believe one purpose for this life is to learn to act for ourselves. Learn to
see a situation correctly and act righteously. In this paper I wish to discuss
many of the thoughts I have had recently on setting a pattern for making ethical
decisions throughout my life. I will present many of the traps I have fallen
into or observed in others.
Everyday I'm faced with decisions of right and wrong, most of which are
easily and correctly dealt with. Sometimes however, decisions need to be made
that are not easy or clear-cut. They require thought and often prayer. I like
to draw on past experience to make comparisons that help give insight to new
problems. Many times, however past experiences cannot be related to present
problems and can confuse and obscure possibilities. Even the opinions or
actions of friends faced with similar dilemmas may not be helpful. Often you
feel pressured by piers that say, "it's no big deal", or "you'll understand
later". It's important that I understand why a particular action or resolution
is correct or incorrect. If I can't or don't it's difficult to feel I've been
honest with myself. That for me can be a good measure of ethical behavior, my
conscience.