Dilemmas and Decisions (Critical Issues in the Future of Learning and Teaching, 14)

In Dilemmas and Decisions the author argues that dilemmas, medical, political and personal are clearly universal, requiring decisions with a painful choice. Nevertheless, we are witnessing an increasing tendency amongst opinion leaders, from management consultants to religious fundamentalists, to inform us that dilemmas either do not really exist or are merely problems awaiting the “right” solution (which they happen to possess).

Such moral certainty is dangerously mistaken, breeding extremism and undermining democratic values. Education can become a kind of preparation for Multiple Choice Question-type exams or TV quizzes, with facts recalled under pressure of time and problems needing fast solutions.

Problems, however, are different from dilemmas; they have solutions and disappear as soon as these are found. Dilemmas leave you with an aftertaste and a sense of regret about the rejected alternative.

Patrick F. Miller, Ph.D. (1995), University of Surrey, formerly Principal of Esher College, taught at Manchester Grammar School and Queen Mary’s College Basingstoke and was Canon Residentiary at Southwark Cathedral. Publications on Religious Studies include Creeds and Controversies (E.U.P. Ltd., 1969).