Virtues and Values

Virtues and Values

The concept of virtue is related to the individual behavior pattern. It is the innate characteristics of the person that is evaluated rather than the activities performed. The individual is judged based on the moral excellence or beneficial qualities that set them apart from others.  Persons are categorized as good or bad solely upon their way of life. A virtuous and upstanding citizen is one who is pleasant, honest, trustworthy and kind hearted. Virtue-based ethical theories emphasize the development of traits such as these and actions that are just a basic way of life without the chains of rules and regulations.

It is said that virtues are abstract means that create to specific ends.  These ends are the resulting values that we place on things that we desire in life. Value is relative. People are do different things for different reasons, in the same way the perception of value is based on the individual’s standards. Values may change as the people grow and develop and acquire the desires of life.  Once a need is met the value place on such acquisitions diminishes. Values give purpose to life. A life might be sacrificed for the acquisition of tangible things. A family member might be willing to take the mother of life support to hasten the distribution of insurance benefits in order to acquire a house. The other family might be willing to keep that mother on life support and use the insurance benefits to finance the decision. Values are the motivating force behind a person’s action.

In the application of compassion in the healthcare facility, certain virtues that are designated valuable in the face of ethical dilemma will form the basis for specific outcomes or decisions. Virtue or value underpins the application of compassion in the healthcare setting.  Some important virtues that are deemed to have value in the deliberation of healthcare dilemmas.

Here we have some examples of qualities or traits that will anchor the actions of the moral individual faced with a healthcare dilemma –

Courage as a virtue Wisdom as a virtue Education/Learning as a virtue Temperance Commitment Compassion Hopefulness Integrity

Conscientious Discernment Fairness Fidelity Freedom Tolerance Respect Kindness

These are some of the pillars that build one’s moral strength.