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St. Thomas Aquinas and Ethics

People should use reason and moral values to choose what is good and avoid what is wrong. Ethical decisions in nursing should protect patient safety, dignity, and well-being.

St. Thomas Aquinas

Philosopher and theologian who believed God, reason, and moral values work together. Good decisions come from reason, values, and respect.

Nature of Ethics

Ethics is the study of what is right and wrong. For Aquinas, ethics is practical because it guides proper actions in everyday situations.

Human Actions and the Ultimate End

Human actions should lead to goodness and help people achieve their purpose in life. The goal of nursing action is patient good.

Right Reason

Using good judgment to decide what is right. Nurses should think carefully before acting and choose actions that promote patient safety and well-being.

Fundamental Human Inclinations

People naturally want to stay alive, form relationships, develop themselves, and seek meaning in life. Care should respect the whole person.

Natural Law

People naturally understand basic principles of good and bad. Nurses should choose actions that protect life, respect dignity, and promote health.

Morality of Human Acts

An action is morally good when the act itself is good, the intention is good, and the circumstances are appropriate. Good act + good intention + right circumstance.

Object of an Act

Refers to what a person is doing. Nurses should think carefully about the purpose, meaning, and possible effects of their actions.

Circumstances of an Act

The time, place, and situation in which an action happens. Even a good action can become wrong if done at the wrong time or in the wrong way. Context matters in ethical nursing care.

Virtues According to Aquinas

Good habits that help people consistently do what is right. Nurses develop virtues such as honesty, compassion, patience, and responsibility through practice.

Key Nursing Reminders (Aquinas)

Protect dignity, do what is right even when nobody is watching, think before acting, show compassion, and practice professionalism and integrity.