11.3 The Interpersonal Contexts of Virtue Ethics
It has been said that one cannot (indeed, need not) be virtuous in a vacuum. The practice of the virtues requires human interaction. Virtue ethicists generally hold that one cannot develop virtue without others for several reasons. First, many of the virtues are inherently social in nature—friendliness, loyalty, generosity, et.al.–and can only be meaningfully practiced in relation to others. Moreover, virtue ethicists argue that we learn virtuous behavior primarily by observing and emulating others who exemplify these virtues. This is why many traditional cultures have upheld certain persons of exceptional virtue–Achilles, Buddha, Jesus—as exceptional agents of virtue. But more importantly, we need virtuous friends and family members to aid us in developing our character. Our understanding and practice of virtues are refined through feedback from these advisors. They can point out our mistakes, challenge our reasoning, and help us see our blind spots.
As we mature, we continue to develop our character. The broader our social circles become, the more our virtues will be tested. Interactions with a wide range of people expose us to different perspectives and situations, allowing us to develop a more nuanced understanding of virtues and how to apply them in various contexts. Our virtues are truly tested and strengthened when we face challenging social situations. Without encountering new people, we might believe we possess certain virtues without ever having them genuinely challenged. We might rest on our laurels and not expand our moral intuitions.
Virtue ethicists often emphasize that humans are inherently social and interdependent. Our actions affect others, and theirs affect us, creating a web of moral relationships that shape our character. This view doesn’t mean that individual reflection or solitary practices are unimportant in developing virtue. Rather, it suggests that while these can be valuable components, they are insufficient on their own for full virtue development. We must always test our moral intuitions in the trying grounds of social interaction.
Perhaps nowhere is this truer than in our work lives. Because professions are interpersonal, they often develop codes of ethics for those practicing a profession. Codes of ethics provide clear guidelines for professionals to navigate complex ethical situations they may encounter in their work. This helps ensure consistent and appropriate behavior across the profession. By establishing and adhering to ethical standards, professions demonstrate their commitment to serving the public interest. This helps build and maintain trust with clients, patients, and the general public. Codes of ethics help define the values and principles that characterize a particular profession, contributing to a shared professional identity and culture. Many professions use codes of ethics as a means of self-regulation, allowing them to set and enforce standards without extensive external oversight. This can help maintain professional autonomy. Codes of ethics often serve as a basis for disciplinary actions against members who violate professional standards. They can also inform legal standards of professional conduct. When ethical dilemmas arise, codes of ethics provide a framework for resolving conflicts and making difficult decisions. Many professions involve inherent power imbalances (e.g., doctor-patient, lawyer-client). Codes of ethics help protect vulnerable parties by setting standards for professional behavior.
