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The virtues of evidence
Erica Zarkovich1, R E G Upshur
1Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics
|January 9, 2003
Summary
This study explores "conscientious" and "judicious" in evidence-based medicine (EBM), linking them to virtue ethics. It highlights the need to integrate virtue theory with clinical practice for better patient care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Philosophy of Medicine
Background:
- Evidence-based medicine (EBM) relies on the conscientious and judicious application of current evidence in clinical decision-making.
- The terms 'conscientious' and 'judicious' within the EBM definition require deeper explication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explicate the meaning of "conscientious" and "judicious" within the definition of evidence-based medicine.
- To establish a connection between virtue theories and the practice of evidence-based medicine.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the terms "conscientious" and "judicious" in the context of EBM.
- Examination of the relationship between virtue ethics, virtue epistemology, and EBM.
Main Results:
- The terms "conscientious" and "judicious" are identified as virtue terms originating from virtue ethics and virtue epistemology.
- Evidence-based medicine inherently contains components of virtue.
Conclusions:
- Recognizing virtue components in EBM provides a foundation for linking virtue theories with medical practice.
- Future research should focus on unifying virtue-based approaches with clinical practice for enhanced patient care and decision-making.