Showing 7 results for Virtue
Amirahmad Shojaee, Fereshteh Abolhassani Niyaraki ,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (7-2011)
Abstract
Based on the definition offered by ancient scholars and philosophers, the term “ethics” refers to a certain set of qualities and character traits, and an ethical person is one who possesses those qualities. This definition is still accepted, although it does not undertake the actions of an ethical person, and does not clarify the stance regarding an ethical person who happens to commit an unethical act.
While supporting the definition above, this paper will investigate people’s behaviors individually through an analytical approach, logical arguments, and by applying falsification criticism. It will then proceed to define the term “piety” and provide a comprehensive exposition of an ethical person. The above-mentioned exposition is offered in this paper for the first time and presents a fresh approach to defining morality. It combines the terms piety and ethics to argue that an ethical person is a pious individual who not only possesses ethical characteristics, but also is sensitive to each one of his/her behaviors.
Zahra Nikkhah Farkhani, Fariborz Rahimnia, Mostafa Kazemi, Ali Shirazi,
Volume 7, Issue 6 (3-2015)
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to explore the components of nurses’ ethical conduct in public hospitals in Mashhad. This study employed an eclectic method for research and followed a mixed exploratory design. A qualitative study was first performed, and then based on the results the quantitative method was applied. The statistical population consisted of all the nurses in public hospitals in the city of Mashhad. In order to collect data, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were then analyzed using thematic content analysis. A preliminary model was developed for the nurses' ethical conduct comprising three levels. The first level covered areas of ethical behavior toward patients, patients’ families and the core group. At the second level 13 dimensions and at the third, 51 components (themes) were abstracted. The questionnaire was then distributed among 176 experienced nurses employed in public hospitals in Mashhad. In order to assess the fit of the model in quantitative research, data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and AMOS software. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis showed that all dimensions and components were acceptable with the exception of the component "patient education". Using AMOS software, the comparative fit index (CFI) was calculated at 0.9, which indicates a good fit of the model and validates the components and sub-components. The results of this study can guide human resource managers in public hospitals to promote ethical conduct in nurses.
Ensieh Madani, Zahra Khazaei,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2015)
Abstract
Virtue ethics is an agent-centered approach that is concerned with good and bad character rather than right or wrong action. It is based on the virtues and moral character of the agent. Morality of the physician is emphasized in medicine as well, which demonstrates its affinity with virtue ethics. Nevertheless, a theory of applied or medical ethics should provide a criterion for ethical decision making by instructing what should be done, something which, according to some philosophers, is incompatible with virtue ethics. This article aimed to demonstrate how virtue ethics can offer rules and guidelines by resorting to the moral agent and emphasizing virtues, and help physicians to make decisions when faced with dilemmas. For this purpose, examples about abortion and selling kidneys for transplantation were provided.Some of the most important advantages of virtue ethics include: context-dependence and attention to relevant realities the importance of emotions and the likely motivations of the people involved and finally emphasis on exemplar based on the sensitivity and practical wisdom of the virtuous agent. These advantages cause virtue ethics to be better positioned than other approaches to solving problems in medical ethics.
Amir Ahmad Shojaei ,
Volume 10, Issue 0 (3-2017)
Abstract
Medical ethics in a reductive look can be handed to physician’s ethics and then call a physician who adheres to medical ethics attributed to the moral virtues. Moral virtues are counted to be about 137 in the teachings of Shiite, most of which are not related to the practice of medicine but nearly eighty virtues are linked to the practice of medicine. This number is too much to be handled in a paper and analyzed by verses and hadiths. Therefore, we should take two steps: 1-Limit the virtues of physicians 2- Analyze the virtues of physicians. Believe and practice the virtues emphasized in the teachings of Shiite leads to a monotheistic look to the practice of medicine and provides physicians with a different and transcendental worldview. This insight that stood upon the teachings of the Qur'an and hadiths by Imams (AS) considers the practice of medicine a divine relation and then shows the communication between a physician and others. The current paper analyzes the divine relation of the physician and its impact to the practice of medicine. First literature review performed to find three most virtues. Then Factor analysis method was used and therapeutic virtues were limited to thirteen virtues. Then library study and focus group discussions were used to analyze the selected therapeutic virtues. The practical conclusions is that if we consider medical ethics practice based on virtue, and define and interpret virtues based on the teachings of Shiite, then we will get to a monotheistic view in the practice of medicine that distinguishes Shiite medical ethics monotheistic feature and the secular one, and helps to link between faith and morals.
Maryam Khoshdel Rohani, Rahim Dehghan Simakani,
Volume 11, Issue 0 (3-2018)
Abstract
David Benatar, influenced by Nietzsche and Schopenhauer, sees the life of this world full of pain and suffering, and believes that not being in this world is preferred to be. The purpose of this article is to challenge Benatar's approach in an analytical and citation way. Benatar expresses two arguments for his claim. One is the argument of asymmetry and the other is the quality of life argument. In this paper, both of his arguments are explained and criticized. In the first argument, Benatar provides ample of evidence for his claim that he does not provide the preference for the pain and suffering which humankind experiences in this world. In the second argument, while ignoring the element of individual satisfaction and the independence of the personality of human beings, their judgments regarding their lives are considered to be due to optimism, and believes that humans, because of their ability to get accustomed to the conditions believe that their being is preferred to not being. By this statement, instead of solving the problem of suffering, he cleansed the principle of the problem and preferred not being. The morality of abortion, the immorality of reproduction and marriage, the validity of non-voluntary euthanasia, and the belief in the extinction of the human race are consequences of Benatar's approach, which are untenable.
Ali Akbari, Alireza Arman, Alireza Nikbakht Nasrabadi,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Moral courage is essential for intensive care unit (ICU) nurses to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and advocate for patient rights. Despite its importance, the factors that influence the expression of moral courage remain poorly understood. This review aims to identify key predictors of moral courage in ICU nurses, offering valuable insights to enhance ethical decision-making and improve patient care in critical care settings. This review followed the Cochrane systematic review principles and adhered to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using both English and Persian keywords related to "moral courage," "ICU nurses," and "predictors." International databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched, along with grey literature from Google Scholar. No time frame restrictions were applied. Inclusion criteria included observational studies that focused on predictors of moral courage in ICU nurses, while studies such as clinical trials, reviews, opinion pieces, and those lacking primary data were excluded. Two authors independently screened and extracted data, resolving discrepancies through consensus with a third author. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess study quality, and relevant data were systematically organized into an extraction table. A total of 136 articles were initially identified, with 24 observational studies included after screening. The final selection consisted of 4 cross-sectional studies and 8 cohort studies. Key predictors of moral courage in ICU nurses were identified, including age, gender, professional experience, ethical training, and workplace support. Older and female nurses were more likely to demonstrate moral courage, while nurses with more years of experience and formal ethical training exhibited a stronger ability to confront ethical challenges. Additionally, a supportive work environment and personal ethical beliefs were found to significantly influence the likelihood of nurses advocating for patients and addressing unethical practices. These findings emphasize the importance of both individual and organizational factors in fostering moral courage. This review identifies age, gender, professional experience, ethical training, and workplace support as significant predictors of moral courage in ICU nurses. These findings highlight the critical role of individual characteristics and organizational support in promoting ethical behavior and moral courage in critical care settings.
Hosein Fasihi, Dr. Syyed Ahmad Fazeli,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
In the realm of philosophy, numerous thinkers have offered profound, and at times amazing, insights into the nature of existence. Among them, Spinoza stands out with his unique perspective, establishing a deep connection between ethics, religion, and the divine nature. Spinoza posits that religious texts, beyond their religious teachings, serve a motivational role in inspiring moral behavior. He locates the foundation of virtue within human nature and essence, arguing that the moral quality of actions is not inherent but is derived from God as the ultimate source of good and evil. Ultimately, adhering to the principle of universal necessity, Spinoza extends this concept to ethics, viewing it as an expression of divine nature. This perspective implies that morality and all human actions unfold within the framework of natural and divine necessity. An examination of Spinoza's views reveals a profound unity between humanity and the divine, characterized by a harmonious and interactive relationship between religion and ethics. Within Spinoza's philosophical system, these two categories are aligned, guiding individuals toward happiness and virtue. This innovative approach not only enriches our understanding of Spinoza's thought but also, by bridging religion, reason, and health, opens avenues for reconsidering medical ethics and spirituality in the contemporary world. This study, through a critical analysis of Spinoza's views, lays the groundwork for future investigations into moral philosophy, religion, and medical ethics, fostering a constructive dialogue between tradition and modernity.
