This paper examines the distinct yet interrelated concepts of values, virtues, and character, arguing that virtues — not values alone — form the true foundation of good character. Drawing on ethical frameworks and the six pillars of character, the paper explains how values can change over time while virtues provide the internal motivation necessary for consistent moral behavior. The discussion extends to the field of medicine, where strong character is especially critical given the trust patients place in healthcare providers. A real-world case study involving a physician's breach of patient confidentiality in a public setting illustrates how even well-intentioned professionals can fall short of virtuous conduct when desensitized by routine.
All of us have been sent to this world for a purpose; the invariable purpose of life on earth is doing good to one another. What defines the behavior of a person is his character, and what shapes that character are his values and virtues. Many people perceive virtues and values as more or less the same thing; however, this paper examines how the two differ and what a person's character actually consists of. In addition, the paper considers an ethical dilemma in clinical practice and explores how values and virtues can be used to resolve it.
There are basically six pillars that form a person's character. These six pillars are the set of ethical values that a person must embody in order to become a person of good character and lead a life remembered in good terms. The six pillars include trustworthiness, respect, citizenship, fairness, responsibility, and a caring attitude. Although these terms may seem broad, they encompass many other qualities that must be present in a good character (Ethics Scoreboard, 2007).
The blueprint for being a human being is given by virtues. The word comes from the Latin vir, meaning "man." In ancient times, a person considered to be a true man was one who was virtuous. In Latin, the word virtus — from which "virtue" is derived — signifies strength, power, and ability. Therefore, virtues are the habits that give us the strength to act rightly and do what is good. It is not an overstatement to say that virtues are the building blocks of a moral life; without them, moral lives collapse (Gray, 2000).
The habit of doing good is the character of a person. Since there is no end to learning, character can be perfected over time. The words that describe the habit of doing good, consistent behavior, and individual disposition are closely related. Most of the time, virtues and good character are defined using the same language. It should also be noted that everyone possesses a character — some people have a good one and others have a bad one (Teen Aid Inc.). However, not everyone has their virtues sufficiently defined to lead a successful life. For the purposes of this discussion, "character" refers to good character. The four fundamental virtues a person must possess in order to have good character are temperance, fortitude, justice, and prudence. Just as with the values mentioned above, many other qualities fall under these broad headings.
It is important to understand the distinctions among these three terms. Values, fundamentally, can change. Virtue, by contrast, is the internal motivation to achieve a goal or objective. Character is defined as the consistent expression of motivations that emerge internally. Other factors relevant to character include skills and principles: skills make it possible for character motivations to become reality, while principles provide the strategies for translating those motivations into action.
Society faces a genuine dilemma in the confusion over what defines a person's good character. Many people — including some philosophers — believe that a person's morality or good character is primarily a matter of their values. Unfortunately, this view is incomplete. As noted above, values are subject to change; a person's values are constantly shifting. Moreover, a person who values a particular thing does not necessarily possess the virtue of consistently acting on it. For example, a man may value fidelity in a relationship without actually being faithful. It is therefore virtues that form the basis of good character, while values support and reinforce it (Ethics, Virtues and Values).
Many people believe that virtues cannot be acquired — that they are inborn characteristics that cannot be changed. However, the desire to change oneself for the better is itself a virtue. One practical approach is to compile a personal list of the virtues that have contributed to successful, admirable lives and then commit to following them consistently (Velasquez, Andre, Shanks, S.J. & Meyer, 1988).
Although universal standards of good values and virtues exist, every profession also has its own code of conduct and ethics. Values and virtues hold special significance in the field of medicine because when a patient comes to a doctor, that patient places at stake their privacy, confidentiality, strengths, weaknesses, and everything else they might wish to keep personal. For this reason, it is especially important that doctors be people of strong character, with their values and virtues firmly in place so that they can protect the rights of their patients.
It is unfortunate to observe that over time, as doctors see large numbers of patients, many become desensitized to their situation. For them, patients can become merely cases, and some doctors gradually abandon their values and virtues under the pressures of a demanding professional routine.
"Virtues as foundation of moral character"
"Doctor breaches patient privacy in public"
Velasquez, Manuel; Andre, Claire; Shanks, Thomas, S.J.; and Meyer, Michael J. (1988). "Ethics and Virtue." Issues in Ethics V1 N3.
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