Which of the following is NOT one of the three general causes of ethical dilemmas?

• A. Uncertainty
• B. Competing values
• C. Potential harm
• D. Personal bias

Answer: (D)

Ethical dilemmas happen when you face conflicting duties or uncertain outcomes that require choosing between options with different moral implications. The three general causes are uncertainty (not enough information about what’s best), competing values (two important principles pull you in different directions), and potential harm (any action risks harm that must be weighed). Personal bias can color judgment, but it isn’t one of these primary drivers of a dilemma. The dilemma exists because of the clash of duties or the risk/uncertainty involved, not simply because of a bias toward a person or viewpoint.