| Krishna Kumari JT Assistant Professor on Contract Department of Philosophy University of Kerala Kariavattom |
Abstract
Human life rarely unfolds in straight lines. Instead, it is marked by crossroads where values, duties, and desires conflict in ways that make decision-making profoundly difficult. These moral dilemmas can be as intimate as deciding whether to keep a painful secret for a friend, or as far-reaching as determining the right stance on war, capital punishment, or climate change. In an age of rapid technological transformation, economic globalization, and cultural pluralism, such dilemmas have multiplied in scale and complexity. This article examines how moral dilemmas arise, why they remain difficult to resolve, and how philosophical frameworks can help individuals and communities navigate them with greater clarity. Drawing on ethical theories—utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, justice theory, and care ethics—alongside practical tools such as logic-based therapy, narrative therapy, and values clarification, the paper explores ways of thinking critically and responsibly about moral conflict. By emphasizing reflection, dialogue, and self-examination, it argues that confronting dilemmas is not merely a test of reason but also an opportunity for growth, empathy, and the cultivation of a more just society.