Abstract
Various ethical guidelines based on ethical theories and existing legal regulations are very useful and important in order to resolve moral problems encountered in clinical settings. On occasion, however, we face ethical dilemmas that are incapable of being overcome by use of an ethical guideline or a law. In this paper, we discuss the role of virtue held by the involved in ethical decision-making pertaining to dilemmas related to patient care. Virtues considered relate to the ideals of medicine, the goal of healing one's patient and the moral happiness attained as a one involved in patient care decision-making. In our opinion, virtue defined in the context of ethical decision-making lies not in making normative conclusions, but rather in providing guidance throughout the process of decision-making. We surmise that this virtue held by those engaged in decision-making regarding patient care may ultimately be able to raise the level of medical care. When the most suitable course of action is unknown, virtue in the context of patient care decision-making and such subsequent action aimed at doing good is needed.
