What is an ethical dilemma?

An ethical dilemma is characterized by situations where individuals face conflicting ethical principles, leading to challenging decision-making processes. This occurs because two or more moral values are at odds, making it unclear which choice is the right one. For example, one might need to choose between honesty and loyalty, where telling the truth could betray a friend's trust, yet failing to be honest could lead to larger consequences for others.

In contrast, the other options present scenarios that do not capture the essence of an ethical dilemma. A situation with clear solutions based on rules does not involve any conflict between ethical principles; it is straightforward and manageable. Personal gain conflicting with organizational policies might highlight a dilemma but does not encompass the broader range of ethical conflicts often encountered; it is more specifically about organizational integrity versus self-interest. Lastly, a problem solvable through scientific methods does not pertain to ethical considerations at all; it implies a technical or factual problem rather than one involving moral judgment. Thus, the definition of an ethical dilemma best aligns with the option describing a situation where conflicting ethical principles complicate decision-making.