Toward a more holistic understanding of ethics in social work

This paper explores alternative approaches to ethical understanding in social work by applying them to a story of a young woman with AIDS. After presenting the story, I present four perspectives on ethical discernment: the principles approach, virtue ethics, feminist ethics and Afrocentricity. Each approach raises different questions and issues regarding the situation. Together they provide a more holistic discussion and analysis of social work values, beliefs and ethical positions.