Understanding Virtues and Cardinal Virtues

Study Notes

A virtue is a consistent and strong inclination to do good.
It enables a person to not only perform good actions but also to give their best effort.
A virtuous person strives toward goodness using their physical and spiritual abilities, working toward the good and choosing specific actions.
Healthcare virtues guide providers in delivering compassionate, ethical, and high-quality care.
Human virtues are firm attitudes and consistent dispositions that govern actions, manage emotions, and direct conduct based on reason and belief (faith).
They support ease, self-control, and joy in morally good living.

Four cardinal virtues are fundamental and essential.
These virtues include prudence (practical wisdom), justice, fortitude (courage), and temperance (self-control).
Other virtues are derived, relying on the cardinal virtues.

Prudence involves making sound, careful, and thoughtful decisions, especially in uncertain or ethical situations.
Choosing the best course of action is key.

Justice focuses on fairness and equality in distribution of resources, treatment, and opportunities for all individuals.
It prioritizes upholding individual rights.

Fortitude is the strength and courage to face challenges, overcome fear, and persevere through difficulty to strive for the right course of action.
Withstanding adversity and maintaining steadfast moral convictions are essential components.
This virtue involves firm conviction and consistency in striving for what is good, including in difficult situations.

Temperance is the virtue of moderation.
It's about controlling desires, emotions, and actions in a balanced way to avoid excesses.
Maintaining harmony and avoiding harmful behaviors are key.

Vices are negative traits or behaviors that compromise ethical standards, effectiveness, and compassion in healthcare.

Fraud: Deception, dishonesty, and unethical behavior that undermines trust and integrity in healthcare.
Pride: Excessively high self-worth that can lead to unethical decision-making, disregard for others, and failure to recognize individual limitations.
Greed: Excessively desiring personal gain over the well-being of patients, jeopardizing patient-centered care.

Good habits are positive behaviors that align with ethical principles, improve patient care, and support a positive professional environment.
They reflect the virtues of healthcare providers.

Bad habits are unintentional behaviors that can develop over time, often due to stress, complacency, or lack of self-awareness.
These undermine ethical standards, negatively affect the quality of care, and harm relationships with patients and colleagues.

A physician has invited trust.
When a patient accepts a physician, trust is essential to provide help and healing.

Medicine is an instrument of potential harm and good.
Recognizing when one does not know and seeking assistance are critical to avoid harm.
Intellectual honesty is essential.