According to Kidder, what characterizes an "ethical dilemma"?

An ethical dilemma is characterized by the presence of competing "rights," meaning that there are two or more ethical principles or values in conflict with one another. This often occurs when an individual faces a situation where fulfilling one ethical obligation may compromise another. In such cases, the decision-maker must navigate through the complexities of each "right" to arrive at a resolution that is justifiable, even if it involves some form of sacrifice or compromise.

In Kidder's framework, this scenario emphasizes the nuances of ethical decision-making, where clear-cut right or wrong answers may not exist. An example can be drawn from situations in healthcare where a decision must be taken that affects both patient autonomy and the principle of beneficence—highlighting the necessity of balancing these competing interests.

Other options, while related to ethical considerations, do not fully capture the essence of an ethical dilemma. A straightforward conflict between right and wrong actions suggests a clear resolution, which is not the case in dilemmas. Likewise, determining the best choice among equally good options simplifies the complexity often inherent in ethical dilemmas. Finally, struggling to identify the best course of action may reflect uncertainty but does not encapsulate the core definition involving competing "rights."