AakritiAIR 93 · CSE 2025 · 129 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a definition
Ethical dilemma represents a situation where:
Body · points and prose
(a) Person is expected to take a decision (b) There are multiple choices (c) each choice may involve a level of ethical compromise
Eg. whistleblower's dilemma - Truth v/s loyalty.
Dilemma is acute in public administration
(1) Impact of the decision → on public eg. objectivity over empathy ⇒ loss of life in Karnataka due to hunger.
(2.) Multiple sources of ethical considerations. eg. constitution, code of conduct, organization rules etc.
(3.) Large population in consideration → every decision cannot satisfy all. eg. life v/s livelihood (Covid 19).
(4.) Accountability & scrutiny → public authorities must justify their choice to public.
Close · a way forward
creative & mindful resolution of dilemmas creates a strong legacy of integrity & empathy for public servants. (case in point: E. Shreedharan)
How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.