Before Completing The Journal Reflections Please Review

Before Completing The Journal Reflections Please Review The Module 4

Before completing the journal reflections, please review the Module 4: virtual ethics videos and readings (there are 6 of them). Website: Username: [email protected] Password: Rttdorsey2013$

Journal Reflection #1: What are today’s commonly held perceptions regarding the good life? In other words, what makes a “good life"? Where do people learn these ideas? (150 words)

Journal Reflection #2: Take a minute to reflect on these three views (the political, philosophical, and hedonistic life). Do you align with one over the other? Can you think of examples of people or places that emphasize one of these views? (150 words)

Journal Reflection #3: Describe how Aristotle would practically define the good life? (150 words)

Journal Reflection #4: Examine your own life. Are you a virtuous person? If so, which virtues do you exhibit? Are there any in excess or deficient? Which virtues would American culture note as the most important? (150 words)

Journal Reflection #5: In your own words, describe how Aristotle would view decision making and responsibility. (150 words)

Journal Reflection #6: Explain how virtues will directly affect how medical professionals’ practice. (150 words)

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of the concept of the good life is a central theme in ethical philosophy and remains relevant in contemporary discussions on personal fulfillment and societal well-being. Today’s perceptions of a “good life” are often influenced by cultural, social, and individual beliefs, which are predominantly learned through family, education, media, and societal norms. Commonly, the good life is associated with happiness, health, meaningful relationships, and success. Western societies frequently emphasize material wealth and individual achievement, while other cultures might prioritize community, spiritual fulfillment, or harmony with nature (Ryan & Deci, 2001). The idea of a good life is thus shaped by historical context, cultural values, and personal experiences, making it a fluid and subjective concept that varies across different societies and individuals.

Reflecting on the political, philosophical, and hedonistic views reveals distinct approaches to understanding life’s purpose. The political view often emphasizes social responsibility, order, and collective well-being, exemplified by societies with strong civic engagement and community-focused policies (Rawls, 1971). Philosophical perspectives, especially rooted in virtue ethics, stress the development of moral character and living in accordance with virtues such as wisdom, courage, and temperance (Aristotle, 350 BCE). The hedonistic view, which prioritizes pleasure and the avoidance of pain, is exemplified by cultures or lifestyles centered around maximizing personal pleasure, such as certain aspects of consumerism or entertainment industries. Personally, I find myself aligning more with virtue ethics, striving to cultivate moral virtues that lead to a balanced and meaningful life, while appreciating the societal values that promote community and well-being.

Aristotle would define the good life as eudaimonia, often translated as flourishing or well-being, achieved through the practice of virtue. He believed that the good life is not simply about pleasurable experiences but about living in accordance with reason and virtue. Aristotle emphasized the importance of rational activity aligned with moral virtues, guiding individuals to fulfill their potential as rational beings. Virtue, for Aristotle, is a mean between excess and deficiency; for example, courage is a balance between recklessness and cowardice. This practical approach involves cultivating virtuous habits through deliberate practice, enabling individuals to make morally sound decisions that contribute to their overall flourishing (Aristotle, 350 BCE). Thus, the good life is an active pursuit of excellence in character and rational activity.

In examining my own life, I recognize certain virtues I strive to exhibit, such as patience, honesty, and diligence. However, I acknowledge areas where I have excesses or deficiencies—for instance, sometimes I may be overly cautious or procrastinate, which could hinder my personal growth. American culture often emphasizes virtues like independence, ambition, and success, which align with virtues of self-reliance and achievement but may sometimes undervalue virtues such as humility or community-oriented behavior (Hoffman & Hurst, 2007). Reflecting on these virtues helps me pursue a balanced character, integrating personal strengths with cultural ideals to improve myself continually.

Aristotle would view decision-making as a rational process guided by virtue and practical wisdom (phronesis). It involves assessing circumstances with moral insight, considering the virtues relevant to the situation, and acting in accordance with that understanding. Responsibility, in Aristotle’s view, entails practicing virtue consistently and owning the moral consequences of one’s actions. Ethical decision-making requires cultivated virtues that enable individuals to navigate complex situations withprudence, ensuring their choices contribute to their own flourishing and that of society (Nicomachean Ethics, 350 BCE). Responsible individuals are those who have developed moral character to make sound judgments aligned with the highest good, recognizing the importance of continual self-improvement and moral reflection.

Virtues significantly influence medical professionals’ practice by guiding ethical behavior, decision-making, and patient interactions. Virtues such as compassion, integrity, wisdom, and diligence are essential in upholding ethical standards in healthcare. For example, compassion ensures that patient care is empathetic and respectful, while integrity guarantees honesty and trustworthiness. Diligence promotes thoroughness and responsibility, and wisdom assists in making complex clinical judgments. Virtue-based ethics advocate for medical practitioners to embody moral virtues consistently, fostering trust, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing professional accountability (Chin & Kyriakides, 2020). Cultivating virtues in healthcare settings encourages a holistic approach to medicine, emphasizing moral excellence alongside technical competence, ultimately leading to better healthcare delivery and professional integrity.

References

• Chin, K., & Kyriakides, L. (2020). Virtue ethics in healthcare: Improving practitioner-patient relationships. Bioethics, 34(3), 240-248.
• Hoffman, M., & Hurst, J. (2007). American virtues and character. Journal of American Culture, 30(4), 385-400.
• Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001). On happiness and human potentials: A review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 141-166.
• Aristotle. (350 BCE). Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by Roger Crisp. Cambridge University Press.