I need help in understanding what the viewpoint would be of a virtue ethicist in deciding who should receive a liver transplant. There are 5 candidates:
Bob- is 40 years old unemployed, homeless with a severe drinking problem and a criminal record.He was the first to sign up for the transplant
Joe- is 42 years old, extremely wealthy business man. He was the last to sign up for the transplant. he has offered a $100 million donation to the hospital.
Sarah- 26 years old single mother of 6 school aged children
Karen- 60 years old renown Noble Prize winning medical researcher currently working on AIDS research.
Chris- 8 years old who is the sickest of the 5 and will more than likely die within a week without the transplant.
I think that my mind keeps going back to a consequentialist viewpoint on this. I think that Bob would be out for certain because his character is not one of virtue and his illness is caused by his irresponsible unhealthy extreme lifestyle. He also would not have the social support needed for his immuno-suppressant follow up care. I also think that a virtue ethicist would think that Sarah should not be a recipient because she may have problems with follow up care as well because of the 6 school aged children and only 1 income. How will she be able to contribute tangibly to society with the rigorous after care that is needed after a transplant. I am not sure if I am on the right path or not and I have no idea about the 2 candidates. My first thought is to go with the 8 year old because he has the longest life ahead of him to be able to contribute to the community and society as a virtuous human being.
Please help!!
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-virtue/
http://www.ethicsmorals.com/ethicsvirtue.html
In understanding the viewpoint of a virtue ethicist in deciding who should receive a liver transplant, it is important to consider the key principles of virtue ethics. Virtue ethics focuses on developing good character traits and ethical decision-making based on the virtues one possesses. In this case, the virtue ethicist would likely consider the virtues and character traits exhibited by each candidate to make a determination.
Let's evaluate each candidate's characteristics and how a virtue ethicist might assess them:
1. Bob: The virtue ethicist would consider Bob's severe drinking problem, criminal record, and lack of social support. These factors may indicate a lack of virtue, such as self-control, responsibility, and community engagement. As a result, a virtue ethicist might not see Bob as the most deserving candidate.
2. Joe: The virtue ethicist would recognize Joe's wealth and the significant donation he offers to the hospital. However, merely considering his financial contributions may not align with the broader perspective of virtues. A virtue ethicist might emphasize the importance of character traits like generosity and selflessness rather than solely focusing on financial rewards.
3. Sarah: The virtue ethicist would likely take into account Sarah's responsibility as a single mother of six school-aged children. The ethicist could view her ability to provide care for her children as a sign of virtues such as nurturance, sacrifice, and love. However, questions may arise about her ability to fulfill the rigorous aftercare requirements and contribute tangibly to society with her circumstances.
4. Karen: The virtue ethicist would acknowledge Karen's achievements as a Nobel Prize-winning medical researcher. This implies a level of intelligence, dedication, and contribution to society. These virtues might be considered significant in the virtue ethicist's evaluation.
5. Chris: The virtue ethicist may prioritize Chris due to his young age and the potential for a long, virtuous life ahead. Saving his life could allow him to grow and contribute more to the community and society.
While your initial thoughts align with some virtue ethics principles, it is important to note that virtue ethicists may interpret and prioritize virtues differently. In making a final decision, a virtue ethicist would carefully analyze the virtues exhibited by each candidate and their potential for future virtuous contributions to society.
It is important to remember that this analysis is just one possible approach to the question based on virtue ethics. Different ethical frameworks may lead to different conclusions.