Virtue Ethics Overview

Virtue Ethics

• A moral philosophy focusing on character rather than rules or consequences.
• It emphasizes developing good character traits (virtues) as the basis for ethical behavior.
• Developed by Aristotle (384-322 BCE), a Greek philosopher.
• Moral virtues enable individuals to achieve eudaimonia, or human flourishing.
• Eudaimonia is interpreted as "flourishing" or "the good life".
• Good character is the basis for ethical decisions rather than rules or consequences.

Nature of Virtue Ethics

• Virtues are positive character traits promoting human flourishing.
• Examples include compassion, integrity, courage, temperance, wisdom, and justice.
• Character is the sum of a person's virtues.
• The goal of human life (eudaimonia) is achieved via practicing virtues.
• Virtue ethics guides moral behavior and ethical decision-making, focusing on individual character rather than rules or consequences.

Aristotle's Golden Mean

• A principle suggesting virtue is found in the middle ground between two extremes (excess and deficiency).
• Examples: Courage is the mean between recklessness and cowardice; Wisdom between unoriginality and impracticality.
• This path leads to a happy life
• It's a guide for making rational choices to live a flourishing life.

Strengths of Virtue Ethics

• Focus on moral character fosters holistic moral development in individuals.
• Applicable across various contexts (e.g., nursing) emphasizing personal growth and ethical decision-making.
• Emphasizes community and relationships, showcasing the relational aspect of ethics.
• Supports a holistic approach emphasizing character, rather than rules or consequences.

Weaknesses of Virtue Ethics

• Lack of clear rules or guidelines making it difficult to resolve ethical dilemmas.
• Subjectivity in determining virtues that vary across cultures, making application inconsistent.
• Overemphasis on individual character potentially overlooking external actions' importance.

Critique of Virtue Ethics

• Ambiguity and lack of actionable guidance in crisis situations.
• Dilemmas with conflicting virtues where individuals struggle to determine the best course of action.

Application of Virtue Ethics in Nursing

• Emphasizes patient advocacy through virtues like compassion, understanding, and integrity.
• Enhances relationships with patients via empathy and kindness improving trust.
• Promotes leadership and collaboration, fostering supportive teamwork.
• Cultivates compassionate care and ethical decision-making.

Natural Law Ethics

• The belief that objective moral laws are inherent in human nature and the world.
• These laws are understood through reason.
• Natural laws are self-evident and universal.
• Aquinas identified four types of law: Eternal, Natural, Human, and Divine.

Key Components of Natural Law

• Emphasizes human nature highlighting our fundamental purposes (e.g. survival, reproduction, seeking truth) to guide moral reasoning.
• Moral absolutes are rooted in natural law, disregarding personal opinions or societal norms.
• Ethical decisions rely on reasoned reflection of human nature and the purposes of life, relying on reason to navigate dilemmas.
• The common good (wellbeing of community) is a crucial component.

Strengths of Natural Law Ethics

• Provides a framework for ethical decision-making regarding patient autonomy and dignity.
• Promotes moral development by encouraging moral reasoning skills.
• Aligns with professional standards like respecting life and serving others.

Weaknesses of Natural Law Ethics

• Cultural differences pose a challenge to the universality of natural law principles.
• Rigidity and lack of flexibility to deal with complex moral dilemmas.
• Dependance on theology might make it less applicable in secular contexts.
• Difficulty interpreting the 'natural law' can lead to inconsistencies in its application.

Application of Natural Law in Nursing

• Nurses utilize principles of Natural Law to make decisions respecting patients and community.
• Compassion and integrity are vital for providing ethical patient care while balancing various principles
• Focus on the patient’s values, wishes and dignity while ensuring respectful and effective decisions are made.