Article Text
Abstract
Despite tendencies to compete for a prime place in moral theory, neither virtue ethics nor the four principles approach should claim to be superior to, or logically prior to, the other. Together they provide a more adequate account of the moral life than either can offer on its own. The virtues of principlism are clarity, simplicity and (to some extent) universality. These are well illustrated by Ranaan Gillon’s masterly analysis of the cases he has provided. But the vices of this approach are the converse of its virtues: neglect of emotional and personal factors, oversimplification of the issues, and excessive claims to universality. Virtue ethics offers a complementary approach, providing insights into moral character, offering a blend of reason and emotion, and paying attention to the context of decisions. The cases provided can be more adequately understood if we combine the approaches. Both should foster the virtues of humility and magnanimity.
- the four principles approach to medical ethics
- virtue ethics
- genetics
- Jehovah’s Witnesses
- Raanan Gillon
Statistics from Altmetric.com
Footnotes
Read the full text or download the PDF:
Other content recommended for you
- Ethics needs principles—four can encompass the rest—and respect for autonomy should be “first among equals”
- Defending the four principles approach as a good basis for good medical practice and therefore for good medical ethics
- A virtue ethics approach to moral dilemmas in medicine
- Acting parentally: an argument against sex selection
- NHS constitution values for values-based recruitment: a virtue ethics perspective
- Practical virtue ethics: healthcare whistleblowing and portable digital technology
- Professional-patient relationships and informed consent
- Fidelity to the healing relationship: a medical student's challenge to contemporary bioethics and prescription for medical practice
- Good medical ethics, from the inside out—and back again
- The revised International Code of Medical Ethics: an exercise in international professional ethical self-regulation