Question

Moral Dilemma

A software engineer discovers that a colleague has been downloading restricted files that contain trade secrets about a new product that the colleague is not personally involved with. He knows the colleague has been having financial problems, and he fears the colleague is planning to sell the secrets or perhaps leave the company and use them in starting up his own company. Company policy requires him to inform his supervisor, but the colleague is a close friend. Should he first talk with the friend about what he is doing, or should he immediately inform his supervisor?

Questions

1. What is the moral dilemma (or dilemmas), if any?

2. Are there any concepts involved in dealing with the moral issues that would be useful to clarify?

3. What factual inquiries do you think might be needed in making a reliable judgement about the case?

4. What are the possible options available for solving the dilemma?

5. Which of these options is required or permissible?

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Answer 1

Answer:

1.A moral dilemma is a conflict situation in which the choice one makes causes a moral harm, which cannot be restlessly repaired. Take the example of how to respond when a fellow researcher needs help, but refuses your assistance.

4.

• Refute the paradox (dilemma): The situation must be carefully analyzed. ...
• Value theory approach: Choose the alternative that offers the greater good or the lesser evil.
• Find alternative solutions: In some cases, the problem can be reconsidered, and new alternative solutions may arise