What distinguishes ethical dilemmas from ethical lapses?

Ethical dilemmas are characterized by situations where individuals face conflicting moral principles, making it difficult to determine the right course of action. In these scenarios, individuals must weigh the merits of different values, such as honesty versus loyalty, and find a balance that reflects their ethical beliefs. The complexity of these dilemmas often requires careful consideration and deliberation.

On the other hand, ethical lapses refer to clear violations of ethical standards or guidelines, where the decision-making process is less ambiguous. A lapse typically involves a straightforward situation in which an individual knowingly disregards established ethical norms or policies, leading to misconduct. Because of this fundamental distinction, it is accurate to say that ethical dilemmas involve navigating competing moral values, whereas ethical lapses pertain to breaches of established ethical expectations and standards.

This differentiation helps clarify that ethical dilemmas often require a nuanced understanding of various ethical frameworks, while ethical lapses are more about adherence to specific rules and principles.