Moral Dilemmas in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Moral Dilemmas

The concept of moral dilemmas has deep philosophical roots, with its etymology tracing back to ancient Greek philosophy. The term “dilemma” is derived from the Greek words “di-“ meaning “two” and “lemma” meaning “premises” or “propositions.”

In essence, a moral dilemma refers to a situation in which an individual is confronted with two or more conflicting moral principles, making it challenging to make a morally justifiable decision.

This ethical concept has been extensively explored in moral philosophy and literature, emphasizing the complexity of human ethical reasoning. Moral dilemmas often arise when individuals must weigh conflicting values, duties, or principles and make difficult choices that may lead to morally undesirable outcomes, thereby illustrating the intricate nature of ethical decision-making.

The exploration of moral dilemmas is a central theme in ethical discourse, as it highlights the intricate interplay between competing moral imperatives and the challenges individuals face when attempting to navigate ethically complex situations.

Meanings of Moral Dilemmas

Aspect	Meaning
Conflicting Moral Principles	Moral dilemmas occur when individuals are faced with a situation where they must choose between two or more moral principles, values, or duties, and all available options appear to be ethically significant.
Ethical Conundrums	These are situations characterized by the ethical complexity and difficulty of making a morally justifiable decision. Moral dilemmas challenge individuals to navigate competing moral considerations.
Tension Between Right and Right	Moral dilemmas are often described as scenarios where there is a tension between “right” and “right,” as opposed to situations where one choice is clearly right and the other is wrong. In such cases, individuals must determine the lesser of two ethical evils or the greater of two ethical goods.
Conflict of Moral Obligations	Moral dilemmas arise when individuals find themselves torn between their moral obligations, where fulfilling one duty or responsibility may come at the expense of another, leading to a moral quandary.
Moral Uncertainty	These dilemmas reflect the presence of moral uncertainty, where individuals are unsure which choice aligns best with their ethical values or the broader moral framework, resulting in a state of moral indecision.
Complex Ethical Decision-Making	Moral dilemmas highlight the complexity of ethical decision-making and the nuanced nature of human moral reasoning, often involving the consideration of consequences, intentions, and moral duties.
Illustration of Ethical Philosophy	Moral dilemmas serve as a fertile ground for exploring and debating ethical theories, such as consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics, and utilitarianism, as they challenge the application of these theories to real-life moral conflicts.

Definition of Moral Dilemmas as a Theoretical Term

Moral dilemmas, as a theoretical term in ethics, refer to complex situations in which individuals encounter conflicting moral principles, values, or duties, making it challenging to determine the morally right course of action.

These dilemmas underscore the intricate nature of ethical decision-making, where individuals must navigate competing moral considerations and weigh the consequences, intentions, and ethical obligations associated with each available choice.

Moral dilemmas are a central theme in moral philosophy, illustrating the ethical complexities and moral uncertainties inherent in real-life moral conflicts.

Moral Dilemmas: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists	Works	Arguments
Immanuel Kant	Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals (1785)	Kant’s deontological ethics, expressed through the concept of the “categorical imperative,” emphasizes the importance of moral duty and principles. Kant’s argument centers on the idea that individuals should act according to moral rules that could be universally applied. Moral dilemmas, in Kantian ethics, may occur when one is torn between duties, requiring a rational and principled approach to resolve conflicting obligations.
John Stuart Mill	Utilitarianism (1861)	Mill’s utilitarian ethics focuses on maximizing overall happiness. Mill argues that moral dilemmas can be resolved by determining which action would result in the greatest overall happiness. However, in complex scenarios, calculating the greatest happiness can be challenging, leading to dilemmas about which actions maximize overall well-being.
Joseph Fletcher	Situation Ethics (1966)	Fletcher’s situation ethics proposes that moral decisions should be based on love and compassion rather than rigid moral rules. He argues that individuals should evaluate each situation individually and choose the most loving and compassionate course of action. Moral dilemmas may arise when individuals must determine the most loving response in complex and conflicting situations.
W.D. Ross	The Right and the Good (1930)	Ross introduced the concept of “prima facie duties,” suggesting that individuals have multiple duties that may conflict in certain situations. When faced with moral dilemmas, individuals should consider their prima facie duties and determine which one takes precedence in a given context. Ross’s approach allows for the recognition of the complexity of moral obligations in challenging ethical situations.
Philippa Foot	Natural Goodness (2001)	Philippa Foot contributed to the discussion of moral dilemmas by emphasizing the importance of moral virtues. She argued that virtues, such as honesty and courage, play a crucial role in resolving moral dilemmas. Foot’s virtue ethics provides a nuanced perspective on moral decision-making in complex situations.

Moral Dilemmas and Literary Theories

1. Ethical Criticism: Ethical criticism, a branch of literary theory, focuses on the ethical dimensions of literary works. Moral dilemmas are central to this approach, as they allow critics to analyze how authors explore and portray ethical conflicts, decisions, and consequences in their narratives.
2. Character Development: Moral dilemmas are a common tool for character development in literature. Characters facing complex moral choices provide insight into their values, beliefs, and inner conflicts. Literary theories that delve into character analysis, such as psychological and psychoanalytic theories, often examine the role of moral dilemmas in shaping characters.
3. Existentialism: Existentialist literary theory is concerned with themes of individual freedom, choice, and the human experience. Moral dilemma, which often involve choices and their consequences, aligns closely with existentialist philosophy. Existentialist authors, such as Jean-Paul Sartre, frequently use moral dilemmas to explore themes of existential choice and responsibility.
4. Feminist Criticism: Feminist literary theory examines the portrayal of gender roles and societal expectations in literature. Moral dilemma related to gender issues, such as the moral choices women face in a patriarchal society, is of particular interest to feminist critics. These dilemmas shed light on the ethical challenges posed by gender inequalities.
5. Postcolonial Literature: Postcolonial literary theory explores the legacies of colonialism and the moral dilemma that arise in the context of cultural clashes and power dynamics. Authors often depict characters facing moral choices related to identity, allegiance, and cultural preservation.
6. Tragedy and Tragic Theory: Moral dilemmas are a hallmark of tragic literature and align with theories of tragedy. Tragic characters often grapple with impossible moral choices, leading to their downfall. Aristotle’s concept of catharsis and the role of moral dilemmas in tragedy are key areas of analysis.
7. Narrative Ethics: Narrative ethics, a theoretical approach, examines the ethical aspects of storytelling and the responsibilities of authors in presenting moral dilemmas. This perspective delves into the ethical implications of narrative choices and their impact on readers.

Moral dilemma, as a recurring element in literature, serves as a lens through which literary theorists explore the complex interplay of ethics, character development, and societal issues in literary works. Their presence enriches the depth and ethical engagement of literary analysis.

Moral Dilemmas in Literary Criticism

Work	Critique
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019)	In The Silent Patient, the moral dilemma revolves around the boundaries of professional ethics and personal responsibility. The protagonist, a psychotherapist, grapples with ethical questions when treating a mute patient who has committed a violent crime. The novel raises questions about therapist-patient confidentiality and the moral obligations of mental health professionals when faced with potentially dangerous patients.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid (2019)	In Such a Fun Age, the moral dilemma centers on issues of race, privilege, and ethical behavior. The story follows a young African American babysitter who is accused of kidnapping the child she cares for. The novel explores the ethical complexities of allyship, social justice, and performative activism, offering a thought-provoking examination of contemporary racial and ethical dilemmas.
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins (2020)	American Dirt presents moral dilemma related to immigration and the moral responsibilities of individuals and societies. The novel follows the journey of a mother and son escaping violence in Mexico to seek safety in the United States. The book prompts readers to consider their ethical obligations towards refugees and the moral dilemmas posed by border policies and immigration issues.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (2020)	In The Vanishing Half, the moral dilemma revolves around questions of identity, racial passing, and the consequences of choices. The novel follows the divergent paths of two African American sisters, one of whom chooses to pass as white. The story raises moral questions about authenticity, personal choices, and the impact of those choices on one’s own identity and the lives of others.

Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by W. D. Ross, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017.
2. Beauchamp, Tom L., and James F. Childress. Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press, 2019.
3. Camus, Albert. The Fall. Translated by Justin O’Brien, Vintage, 1991.
4. Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Crime and Punishment. Translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, Vintage, 1993.
5. Gilligan, Carol. In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development. Harvard University Press, 1993.
6. Kant, Immanuel. Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals. Translated by Mary Gregor, Cambridge University Press, 2012.
7. MacIntyre, Alasdair. After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory. University of Notre Dame Press, 2007.
8. Mill, John Stuart. Utilitarianism. Edited by George Sher, Hackett Publishing Company, 2002.
9. Rawls, John. A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press, 2005.
10. Shafer-Landau, Russ. The Ethical Life: Fundamental Readings in Ethics and Moral Problems. Oxford University Press, 2021.