dilemas

Dilemas are situations in which a person must choose between two or more conflicting courses of action, each with undesirable consequences or with competing obligations. The word is used in philosophy, psychology, law, and everyday speech to indicate a difficult decision that resists straightforward resolution. Etymology-wise, it comes from Greek di- “two” and lemma “premise,” via Latin, reflecting the sense of two competing premises. In practical use it denotes any choice in which every option carries costs or violates some principle.

Dilemmas are often categorized by scope: ethical or moral dilemmas — where any action violates some moral norm; practical or strategic dilemmas — where resources, time, or feasibility constrain choices; and logical or argumentative dilemmas — where a dilemma arises from the structure of competing premises. In ethical theory, dilemmas are used to test reasoning, values, and consistency, with various frameworks (utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics) offering different ways to adjudicate competing duties or consequences.

Thought experiments such as the trolley problem, the lifeboat dilemma, or the doctor–patient scenario illustrate moral dilemmas and are common in teaching and debate. Dilemmas also appear in law, policy, business, and daily life, where trade-offs between risks and benefits or between competing duties must be weighed.

In sum, a dilemma is a situation requiring a choice among alternatives that are imperfect or mutually incompatible, prompting analysis of priorities, principles, and consequences.