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PCE: Preamble
Bridget Propst
School of Nursing, Liberty University
PHIL 380: Biomedical Ethics
Dr. Foreman
October 10, 2021
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Virtue Ethics
As we discussed in this course virtue ethics is a view that morality should be conceived
as primarily concerned, not with rule or principles, but with the cultivation of moral virtues or
traits of character. This ethical theory emphasized on the character of the person as they evaluate
and perform moral action. Overall, the purpose of this ethical theory is developed virtuous
persons to establish who we are and what kind of person we want to be. As they continue the
virtuous living they basically need to be in habit, which is required by repetition and practice,
overall, it should be second nature.
Christian Belief Affecting My Ethical Reasoning
The strength in virtue ethics when it comes to the topic of Christian belief that is ethical
theory promotes a “spiritual” dimension to ethics. This is usually missed in other values. With
virtue ethics it motivates and benefits with the practicing and repetition a faith and a Christian
belief needs. I, a believer in Christ that He is our Savior and God is our all-powerful creator
affects my stance on ethical theories due to virtue ethics promoting the practicing of your beliefs.
We as Christians have values in our faith, those values are explained throughout scripture in the
Holy Bible. We are held up to a certain standard as: do not sin, do not conform to this world,
prayer, worshipping God, etc. Those types of practices of my faith effect on how I’m going to
view ethical reasoning. Throughout what we have learn in the course virtue ethics has always
been the ethical theory that I have seen that would obtain best to my lifestyle. Throughout
scripture God and Jesus, both have said it does not matter what we do, how we look, what are
value is on earth. But what does matter is our salvation, and we discuss that we as persons in
virtue ethics have intrinsic value as opposed to other were you have no value. Now the things we
have, have no value but we as believers and all people have value in God.
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Value and Limitations of Medicine and Medical Care
The main goal of any health care provider is to provide the appropriate care and treatment
to all patients. Overall, we should be treating everyone with equally with same about value. No
matter what is said, done, or the action we as health care provider have an obligation to provide
the best care to all. We should almost identify the “hero” role in a such way to constantly provide
the best care that should not have any errors. Though we can provide the best care and offer the
best treatments, there is limitations in medicine. Though there may be limitations would be with
virtue ethics it mostly concentrates on we, but it concentrates with belief and faith. If our faith
determines our priorities and help establish the person we want to be, then we should be
following what scriptures says in the Bible on how we should take care of people. That there is
only so much we can do, and everything is to bring glory to God.
Nature, Purpose, and Treatment of Suffering
In the source of virtue ethics, it promoted by spiritual beliefs. Due to that using virtue
ethics to analyze these topics of nature, purpose, and treatment of suffering. Suffering is a natural
thing we are going to experience due to the fall of man. Even though we all have value if the
medical treatment brings suffering now but is successful in the end. Though it may not see as a
moral act at first, but the result will bring out that the treatment was of moral act and based on a
virtuous characteristic decision. Virtue ethics has a great approach to this topic about suffering
due to the ethical theory providing support and flexibility when encountering a moral dilemma
such as suffering and the purpose, nature, and treatment of it. Overall, it deals how we as a
person going to approach the nature of what suffering is, the purpose on why we are
experiencing this suffering, and how are we going to treat this suffering.
