L11 - Phronesis

Question 1

Define phronesis.

Answer 1

A concept which advocates a way to make ethical decisions that are grounded in an accumulated wisdom gained through previous practice, dilemmas and decisions

Question 2

List 3 theories concerning ethical decisions.

Answer 2

1 - Consequentialism (utilitarianism) - the end result is the only thing that matters

2 - Deontology - doing the right thing by following the guidelines

3 - Practice-based virtue ethics - the practice peer group agrees on a decision based on intra-practice and inter-practice moral debate to best serve the patient and societal wellbeing. It is founded on the idea that good judgement is founded on good character

Question 3

Define virtue.

How does a person act in a virtuous way?

Answer 3

• A mean between two vices of excess and deficiency (each virtue is based on this continuum)
• To arrive at this mean, a person needs to demonstrate phronesis, because each virtue is:

1 - Culturally sensitive

2 - Contextualised

3 - Variable between practices

Question 4

List 3 examples of virtues and, for each, give examples of an excess and a deficiency for which the virtue represents the mean.

Answer 4

1 - Negotiation:

• Excess: Doctor decides
• Deficiency: Patient decides

2 - Fairness:

• Excess: All receive a treatment
• Deficiency: Only a select few get the treatment

3 - Lawfulness:

• Excess: Constant worry over litigation
• Deficiency: Ignoring legal constraints

Question 5

List 4 questions that should be addressed when answering an ethical question according to practice-based virtue ethics.

Answer 5

1 - What is the purpose of the practice?

2 - What are the concrete particularities of the situation?

3 - What are the virtues and their continuums?

4 - What are the actions based on practically wise decisions?