Ethics Profession

Virtue ethics is an ethical approach that focuses on an individual's character. In distinguishing between right and wrong, virtue ethics states that the character traits of a person should be positive. To put it clearly, for a person to understand whether the action is right or wrong, he should have virtues.  For example, one needs courage, prudence, wisdom, temperance, and other qualities (Pastura & Land, 2016). One important lesson that I have learned is that laws or rules restrict people from doing the right thing. This is because some situations have complications and people lack effective formula to apply. In such cases, people need to apply virtues. In applying virtues, one will practice reasoning- go beyond the mechanical rule and apply practical skills to complexities (Pastura & Land, 2016). Secondly, one needs to think about virtuous activities that will bring pleasure to oneself and others. Third, one should live virtuously by willing to go beyond following rules. Finally, one needs rational thought- this will help in addressing ethical dilemmas in real-life and professional practices.

 For example, in solving problems and making decisions, philosophers such as Immanuel Kant focus on rules of action. The philosopher says that people should adhere to the universal law and individual actions should be based on whether the law was applied (Pastura & Land, 2016). However, from the perspective of virtue ethics, contemporary problems require rational decisions. Effective decisions do not come from adhering to the law but they are influenced by virtues such as wisdom and prudence. For example, in making medical decisions, the decision-maker should consider the specific case. This means that the decision-maker will not apply the rule but will make decisions that will maximize pleasure (Pastura & Land, 2016). Important elements that are needed in making decisions are;  evaluate the situation, evaluate which decision is best, and act in a virtue way. In general, virtue ethics is the solution to the dilemmas that professionals encounter every day.

References

 

Pastura, P. S. V. C., & Land, M. G. P. (2016). The perspective of Virtue Ethics regarding the

process of medical decision-making. Revista Bioética, 24(2), 243-249.