Virtue Ethics, Caring, and Nursing

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Virtue ethics is proposed as an alternative method for evaluating nursing practice. Unlike deontological and utilitarian ethical theories, which center on the action and outcome of moral behavior, respectively, virtue ethics focuses on the nature of the agent as the determining factor in analyzing ethical conduct. A historical development of virtue ethics traces its religious roots, its fall from favor by moral philosophers, and the renewed interest in the field.Caring is identified as the central virtue for nursing. Three perspectives on the virtue of caring are presented: virtue as an attribute; virtue as individual actions reflective of the agent’s nature; and virtue as meeting the obligations of role. The implications of each for nursing practice are explored.If nursing is to be considered virtuous, caring must be demonstrated through the care given by nurses. This is a professional commitment toward which nurses must work collectively.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: