Untitled Quiz

Introduction

• Ethics of virtue draws inspiration from the philosophy of Aristotle (student of Plato, 385-322 BC).
• Good and bad do not exist objectively
• Good and bad are embodied in behaviour and actions.
• Good behaviour reflects how one thinks and values situations.
• Finding the just balance between extremes to achieve what's best and happiness.
• The good is the goal to strive for in all things.

Aristotle and the Search for the Good

• Ethical reflection - answering four key questions:
  • What is good?
  • How can we achieve it?
  • What defines a virtuous person?
  • What is a good action?
• Answering these questions categorises philosophical theories.

Virtue Ethics

• Virtue ethics reflects the good achievable through virtues.
• Virtues = moral character traits enabling consistent good judgment, disposition, and actions.
• Acquiring virtues through practice makes actions better and more just.
• Good ≠ an objective ideal to match in all situations.
• Good = most suitable and appropriate action given a circumstance.

Prudence

• For Aristotle, virtues are developed differently depending on their purpose.

• Intellectual virtues through teaching and education.

• Moral virtues through habit and practice.

• Virtues = combination of intellectual and practical abilities for a good life.

• Possible conflicts between intellectual and moral sources of virtues.

• Best case = intellectual and moral virtues align, leading to wisdom and happiness.

Excellence of Character

• Aristotle emphasizes virtue as a form of character excellence, balancing feelings and reason.
• A virtuous person excels in virtuous actions and feelings in specific contexts.
• Ethical medical considerations:
  • Moderation in doctors
  • Attention, consideration, and balance in medical strategies.
  • Emphasis on both effectiveness and balance in patient care.

Justice and Responsibility

• Virtue ethics stresses justice and responsibility.
• Medical vocation:
  • Sensitivity to suffering and the desire to care
  • Acting ethically in medical practice
  • Acting to achieve a good life for oneself and others in a just society (institutions)
• Responsibility = accountability for actions, particularly towards patients.
• Justification analysis.

Ethics of Compassion

• Sensitivity to suffering is central to medicine.

• Compassion and sensitivity to others' suffering motivate medical action.

• Prudence does not contradict urgency; it is a suitable approach to respond to emergencies and urgency

• Recognition that compassion ≠ pity (pity = feeling sorrow for others)

Importance of Distance

• Misunderstanding of virtue ethics can lead to paternalistic compassion.
• Paternalistic compassion = the doctor acts as a wise authority figure while the patient is subordinate.
• Virtue Ethics establishes prudence as a crucial skill to ensure appropriate balance and actions.

Points to Remember

• Virtue ethics reflects the good achievable through virtuous dispositions.
• Prudence (phronesis) = discernment of what's right in particular circumstances.
• Virtue ethics balances feelings, reason, and action for a fulfilling life.

Training Exercises

• Several multiple-choice questions for practice on virtue ethics.