Aristotle’s Ethical Theory and Nursing Essay

Introduction

Aristotle is an outstanding legend in the field of philosophy with his deep sensational thoughts on ethics. The philosopher has created his school of thought on ethics, their determinants, and accompanying premises. In his comprehensive reflection, Aristotle adopts a deontological approach that bases wrongness and rightness on intrinsic characteristics. He builds what is commonly referred to as ‘ethics of common sense and is actively functioning on self-realization and naturalism. Thus, this analytical treatise attempts to explicitly review the thoughts of Aristotle and their relevance to the nursing profession.

Virtue/Deontological theory

Aristotle defines the aspect of good as a disposition since it functions around an action-oriented teleological system. Therefore, Aristotle denotes his premise from the fact that all rational things often aim for ‘good’ through action-oriented respect, mutual coexistence, and deeply entrenched social values. This is because human beings possess more ethical rights than other beings based on their rationality in addition to an inherent worth. In his famous book, Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle is sophisticated in clarifying what society might consider good. Among his listed examples include experiencing pleasure, being honored, being healthy, and having beneficial friends. However, he is much interested in the foundation of each of these good actions (Ross, 1999).

Despite the existence of a series of intermediate goodness forms, Aristotle is convinced that there exists the ‘highest good’ which he called eudemonia. In an interesting reflection, Aristotle opines that “the good is final and self-sufficient; happiness is defined” (Ross, 1999, p. 27). Eudemonia is achievable upon utilizing life virtues that must be put in action. Aristotle further delineates virtue as readiness and the inclination to jump into action with situational excellence despite the circumstances of the time.

Aristotle argues that man, in his quest for happiness, must balance the contrary extreme habits to maintain a beneficial friendship despite assuming a compromising ground for special actions. He concludes that an individual can only be declared ‘good’ after years of consistently practicing goodness and a virtual plethora of ways. Therefore, the actions of an individual determine his happiness and the aspect of what is ethically good (Ross, 1999).

Application to nursing practice

This theory is directly related to the nursing professional code of ethics as indicated in the provisions of the NPA. Sec. 335.016 summarizes the professional act in nursing as functional on the principles of inter and intrapersonal interactions with the patients. The nurses have the responsibility of maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and due care within the confines of doing ‘good’ (Fowler, 2010). However, it goes against situational ethics which are actions whose ends are justified by only the means. For instance, a nurse has the responsibility of trying his or her best in emergencies without necessarily having to consult a patient (Pozgar, 2013).

Reflectively, provision 1 and provision 2 of the code of ethics for nurses dictate that a patient has a right to accurate information and utmost care of the nurses. A physician is expected to practice rational judgment to analyze the extent and threats of injuries to a patient’s life (Ethical lens inventory results, 2013). Thus, provisions 1 and 2 demands that a nurse should exercise rational judgment in his or her course of actions when dealing with a patient to make such actions ethically correct. The NPA. Sec. 335.016 act summarizes the professional act in nursing as functional on the principles of inter and intrapersonal interactions with the patients (Fowler, 2010).

References

Ethical lens inventory results. (2013). Ethics game. Web.

Fowler, M. (2010). Guide to the code of ethics for nurses: Interpretation and application. Silver Springs, MD: Nursebooks.

Pozgar, G. (2013). Legal and ethical issues for health professionals (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.

Ross. W. (1999). Nicomachean ethics. Web.