Which of the following would fall under short-term versus long-term ethical dilemmas?

• A. Immediate gratification versus future security
• B. Personal achievement versus collaborative success
• C. Truthfulness versus deceit
• D. Justice versus personal gain

Answer: (A)

The correct choice highlights the contrast between immediate gratification and future security, which are key components of short-term versus long-term ethical dilemmas. This dilemma often presents itself in scenarios where an individual must choose between satisfying their immediate desires or interests and investing for the sake of long-term benefits.

For example, in a financial context, an individual may be tempted to make a high-risk investment that promises quick returns, thereby choosing immediate gratification. Conversely, they might opt to save or invest in more conservative options that will benefit them in the long run, promoting financial security over short-term gain. Recognizing this tension is crucial for making informed ethical decisions that consider both immediate needs and long-term consequences.

The other options do present ethical dilemmas but do not specifically distinguish between short-term and long-term considerations in the same manner. Personal achievement versus collaborative success often centers around values in teamwork versus individual success without emphasizing a temporal aspect. Truthfulness versus deceit focuses on honesty in relation to moral character rather than the timeframe of the decision. Lastly, justice versus personal gain highlights issues of fairness versus self-interest but similarly lacks the clear timeframe contrast evident in the immediate gratification versus future security dilemma.