title: Caring, virtue theory, and a foundation for nursing ethics.
abstract: The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the use of a framework of virtue theory as a foundation for a nursing ethic embodied in the caring ideal. The first section summarizes the problems identified with traditional moral theory as a foundation for a nursing ethic based on the caring ideal. From these problems, adequacy conditions that a foundation must meet are identified. In section two, the basic ideas of virtue theory are sketched and an account of how virtue theory can be used as a foundation for a nursing ethic based on the caring ideal is discussed. Finally, virtue theory as a foundation for a nursing ethic à la caring is assessed against the adequacy conditions delineated in section one. The conclusion of this paper is that virtue theory does not offer a viable alternative to duty-based theories. While virtue theory provides promise in meeting the identified adequacy conditions, serious secondary issues arise that can not be immediately nor easily resolved.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Salsberry
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D026689:Ethical Analysis; D028663:Ethical Theory; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D009742:Nursing Theory; D028722:Virtues; D014933:Women's Rights