Concept
Moral conflict arises when an individual faces a decision that pits two or more moral values or ethical principles against each other, making it challenging to choose the 'right' action without compromising another deeply held belief. This tension often leads to psychological distress, as the individual struggles to reconcile their actions with their moral identity.
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Concept
An ethical dilemma arises when a person is faced with a situation where they must choose between two or more conflicting moral principles, where adhering to one would result in transgressing another. These situations often require a careful weighing of values, potential consequences, and the interests of all parties involved to arrive at a morally justifiable decision.
Concept
Cognitive dissonance is the psychological discomfort experienced when holding two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes simultaneously. This discomfort often leads individuals to change their beliefs or behaviors to reduce the inconsistency and restore mental harmony.
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Moral psychology is the study of how humans think and feel about moral issues, encompassing the cognitive processes, emotions, and social factors that influence ethical behavior. It bridges philosophy and psychology to understand how moral reasoning develops and how it affects decision-making and interpersonal relationships.
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Value pluralism is the philosophical idea that there are multiple, often conflicting values that are equally fundamental, and no single value system can encompass all moral truths. It challenges the notion of monism by asserting that different cultures and individuals can hold diverse yet equally valid ethical perspectives, necessitating tolerance and compromise in moral decision-making.
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Deontological ethics is a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of duty and adherence to rules or obligations, rather than the consequences of actions, in determining moral rightness. It is often associated with the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, who argued that actions are morally right if they are motivated by a sense of duty and conform to universal moral laws.
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Consequentialism is an ethical theory that judges the rightness or wrongness of actions based solely on their outcomes or consequences. It posits that the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number, often associated with utilitarianism.
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Moral distress occurs when individuals are constrained from acting according to their ethical beliefs, leading to psychological discomfort and a sense of compromised integrity. It is commonly experienced in professions with high ethical demands, such as healthcare, where institutional policies or hierarchical structures may prevent individuals from taking actions they believe are morally right.
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Ethical decision-making involves choosing actions that are morally acceptable and align with ethical principles while considering the impact on stakeholders. It requires balancing competing values and interests to arrive at a decision that maximizes positive outcomes and minimizes harm.
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Moral reasoning is the cognitive process individuals use to determine what is right or wrong in a given situation, often influenced by cultural, social, and personal values. It plays a critical role in ethical decision-making and helps individuals navigate complex moral dilemmas by applying principles of justice, rights, and welfare.
Concept
Virtue ethics is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy, rather than either the consequences of actions or adherence to rules. It suggests that cultivating good character traits leads to moral behavior and a fulfilling life.
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Moral pluralism is the philosophical idea that there are multiple, equally valid moral principles or values that may sometimes conflict with each other, yet none can be deemed the absolute truth. It emphasizes the complexity of moral reasoning and the need for tolerance and dialogue in navigating diverse ethical perspectives.
Concept
Ethical Pluralism is the view that there are multiple, sometimes conflicting, moral principles that can be equally valid and applicable in different situations. It acknowledges the complexity of moral decision-making and rejects the notion of a single, overarching ethical theory that can address all moral dilemmas.
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