Which ethical dilemma is best characterized by the conflict between individual rights and group rights?

Which ethical dilemma is best characterized by the conflict between individual rights and group rights?

• A. Truth vs. Loyalty
• B. Justice vs. Mercy
• C. Individual vs. Group
• D. Short-term vs. Long-term

Answer: (C)

The ethical dilemma characterizing the conflict between individual rights and group rights is rooted in the challenge of balancing the needs, freedoms, and interests of a single person against those of a collective group. This concept reflects a fundamental tension in ethical decision-making where one must consider whether to prioritize the autonomy and rights of an individual or the welfare and rights of a larger community.

In this scenario, selecting the course of action that favors the individual may lead to outcomes that are detrimental to the group, while the opposite can suppress individual freedoms for the supposed benefit of the majority. This dilemma often manifests in various contexts, including workplace decisions, social policies, and legal systems, where what is best for the individual may not align with what serves the common good.

The other choices represent different ethical conflicts but do not specifically encapsulate the debate between individual versus group. Truth versus loyalty deals with the tension between being honest and maintaining allegiance to someone. Justice versus mercy involves determining when to apply strict fairness versus offering compassion in a given situation. Short-term versus long-term is about weighing immediate benefits against potential future consequences. Hence, these aspects do not focus on the direct interplay between individual and collective rights, which is why the choice emphasizing individual versus group is most appropriate.