This paper explores the relationship between ethics and decision-making through established theories of ethics that continue to be the richest source for solutions to political and social problems arising in democratic societies. The paper analyses patterns of political and social behaviour when making appropriate decisions in contexts of a particular ethical dilemma, exploring in particular the ontological status of moral dilemma. Then it delves into three streams of the legacy of the main philosophical thinkers from Aristotle to Charles Taylor (Utilitarianism, Deontological Ethics and Ethics of Virtue),  and applies these to contemporary issues, such as political deception  taken as an example providing linkage of thought and reality.