An ethical dilemma is a situation in which the ethical obligations conflict such that any solution to solve the dilemma is morally intolerable (Flamand, 2010). In such situations, it becomes very difficult to determine the right course of action. Even the moral principle that guides individuals proves important in this situation.
In this case, the incidence that proceeds leads the writer into an ethical dilemma. She has an obligation to be honest to her course instructor as a student. According to her culture, she has a responsibility to speak the truth regardless of who is engaged. On the other hand, she finds it very important to be loyal to our friends and keep secrets. In case she chooses to be honest to her instructor by reporting her friend, her friend will feel betrayed. In this case, the writer ceases to be loyal to her friend in an attempt to be honest to her instructor. It therefore becomes very difficult to make the final decision.
The classical utilitarianism says that we ought always to do whatever maximizes the balance of pleasure over pain for everyone affected by our action (Gensler, 1998). The utilitarianism proposes that one has first to figure out the options and realize which options can be taken. On the other hand, the golden rule says that we should treat others the way we would like to be treated in the same situations. In this case, the writer has two options, to disclose the secret to their course instructor or to remain silent remain loyal to her friend. Another important course of action she should take is to measure the pleasure and the pain that each action will impact on the two parties. Finally, the writer should take the course of action which will yield maximum pleasure over the pain.
In conclusion, it would be advisable for the whiter to choose to keep silent rather than report her friend to their instructor. Although the tutor will be a little happier, the two of them will remain very miserable. She had indicated that she received a lot of encouragement from her friend. This relationship will be destroyed and she will no longer have an opportunity to receive encouraging words from her betrayed friend. On the other hand, her friend would consequently drop the course the course which will make her to suffer miserably.
