Significance of Moral dilemma
Moral dilemma encompasses the ethical challenges individuals face when confronted with conflicting principles. In various literary contexts, such as the Purana and Kavya, characters grapple with complex choices that reflect their duty, desires, and moral integrity. For example, Yudhishthira's responses to the Yaksha highlight the intricacies of virtue, while King Sivi's choice between personal safety and the well-being of a pigeon illustrates character testing situations. Similarly, Arjuna's conflict over the killing of Ashvatthaman exemplifies the moral dilemmas faced throughout human experiences, representing deeper societal issues and personal beliefs.
Synonyms: Moral quandary, Ethical dilemma, Moral conflict, Ethical quandary, Ethical issue, Moral ambiguity, Moral challenge
In Dutch: Moreel dilemma; In Finnish: Moraalinen dilemma; In Spanish: Dilema moral; In German: Moralisches Dilemma
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Moral dilemma'
In Buddhism, a moral dilemma involves navigating choices between conflicting ethical principles, exemplified in scenarios like the king's guilt, where one must weigh moral obligations against personal responsibilities. This reflects the complexity of ethical decision-making in Buddhist philosophy.
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Situations requiring a choice between conflicting ethical principles, often explored in the context of the king's guilt.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Moral dilemma'
Moral dilemmas in Hinduism encompass struggles between self-interest and duty, conflicting ethical principles, and the complexities of sacrifice and loyalty, as illustrated through characters like Nala, Arjuna, King Sivi, and Yudhishthira facing profound ethical challenges.
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The ethical questions posed by the Vetala regarding the appropriate match for Anangarati.[2] (2) The conflicts faced by characters regarding the ethics of sacrifice and loyalty, exemplified in the challenges posed by the Vetala.[3]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) The struggle within Nala to balance self-interest with his duty towards the gods and his love for Damayanti.[4]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The ethical and philosophical challenges Yudhishthira faces as he answers the Yaksha's queries, which probe into the nature of life, duty, and virtue.[5] (2) The moral dilemma faced by King Sivi involves choosing between his own safety or the safety of the pigeon, presenting a test of his character.[6]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Challenging situations where one must choose between conflicting ethical principles.[7]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A situation in which a person must choose between conflicting ethical principles, exemplified by Vamadeva's choice.[8]
The concept of Moral dilemma in local and regional sources
Moral dilemma involves ethical challenges and conflicting principles that require careful decision-making, often illustrated in literature through characters facing complex situations, such as battlefield ethics, societal pressures, and personal beliefs, as seen in various literary works.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The conflict between personal beliefs and societal pressures faced by characters in Maugham’s novels, reflecting broader existential themes.[9] (2) Ethical challenges faced during the battlefield, which require discernment and guidance from a higher power.[10] (3) Complex situations in which individuals face conflicting ethical principles or values, often requiring challenging decisions.[11] (4) Situations in which characters face conflicting ethical choices, a central theme in Greene's exploration of human experiences.[12] (5) The state of conflict experienced by the twentieth-century woman regarding her role and expectations within the institution of marriage due to increasing awareness of individual rights.[13]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The ethical questions raised regarding gratitude and the consequences of one's actions.[14]