Virtue Ethics

Virtue ethics, sometimes called character ethics, represents the idea that
individuals actions are based upon a certain degree of innate moral virtue. Western
moralism emerged with the idea of cardinal virtues:
1. Wisdom
9. Honesty
2. Courage
10.Compassion
3. Temperance
11.Caring
4. Justice
12.Responsibility
5. Generosity
13.Integrity
6. Faith
14.Discernment
7. Hope
15.Trustworthiness
8. Charity
16.Prudence
Virtue ethics has reemerged as an important framework for examining moral
behavior. It posits that the basic function of morality is the moral character of persons. A
character trait that is socially valued not thought of as a moral requirement. A moral
virtue is a character trait that is morally valued such as truthfulness, kindness, or honesty.
A person with moral virtue has both consistent moral action and a morally appropriate
desire.
The term ethics was derived from Aristotles word ethika, which refers to matters
having to do with character. Aristotle (384-332 B.C.) considered goodness of character to
be produced by the practice of virtuous behavior, rather that virtuous acts being the end
result of a good character. According to Aristotle, virtues are tendencies to act, feel, and
judge that are developed from a natural capacity by proper training and exercise. He
believed that practice creates a habit of acting in a virtuous way, and that virtue can be
learned and improved. Virtue, according to Aristotle, depends on clear judgment, selfcontrol, symmetry of desire, and artistry of means. He considered virtue to be the fruit of
intelligent pursuit. It is not the possession of the simple [person], nor the gift of innocent
intent, but the achievement of experience in the fully developed [person]. He considered
excellence to be won by training and habituation, and believed that virtuous character is
created by repeatedly acting in a virtuous manner. Aristotles traits of a virtuous character
provided three criteria:
1. Virtuous acts must be chosen for their own sake.
2. Choice must proceed from a firm and unchangeable character.
3. Virtue is a disposition to choose the mean.
The golden mean of virtuous behavior, for Aristotle, meant practicing moderation:
avoiding both excess and deficiency. For him, the basic moral question is not what should
one do but rather what should one be.
Focal Virtues
Beauchamp and Childress defines character is defined as being comprised of a
set of stable traits that affect a persons judgment and action. These authors suggest that
although people have different traits, all have the capacity to learn or cultivate those that
are important to morality. They propose four focal virtues that are more pivotal than others
in characterizing a virtuous person: compassion, discernment, trustworthiness, and
integrity.
Compassion is the ability to imagine oneself in the situation of another.
- The virtue of compassion is a trait combining an attitude of active regard for
anothers welfare with an imaginative awareness and emotional response of deep
sympathy, tenderness, and discomfort at the persons misfortune or suffering.
- It embodies internalizing of the golden rule.

It is so important that many times the patients need for a compassionate and
caring presence outweighs the need for technical care. One must be careful,
however, that compassion does not impede our ability to make objective decisions.

Discernment is related to the classical concept of wisdom. The virtue of discernment

rest on sensitive insight involving acute judgment and understanding, and it
eventuates in decisive action.
- It gives us insight into appropriate actions in given situation.
- It requires sensitivity and attention attuned to the demands of a particular context.
Discernment requires that we continually strive to recognize and understand
important nuances in human behavior.
Trustworthiness is another focal virtue for nurses that mean, Trust is a confident belief in
and reliance upon the ability and moral character of another person.
- It entails a confidence that another will act with the right motives in accord with
moral norms.
- It is measured by others recognition of the nurses consistency and predictability in
following moral norms.
- In practical terms, trustworthiness is accounted for in the reputation an individual
have among coworkers. This virtue is important for nurses in relationships with
patients, physicians, and other nurses.
Integrity is perhaps the cardinal virtue. Moral integrity, means soundness, reliability,
wholeness, and an integration of moral character.
- It also refers to our continuing to follow moral norms over time.
- It is the character trait of a coherent integration of reasonably stable, justifiable
moral values, together with active fidelity to those values in judgment and action.
- A person with integrity has a consistency of convictions, actions, and emotions and
is trustworthy.
- Is comprised when the nurse acts inconsistently or in a way that is not supported by
professed moral beliefs. Deficiencies in moral integrity may include such vices as
hypocrisy, insincerity, and bad faith.