Review
"Pellegrino and Thomasma are arguably among the most influential authors now writing about the moral nature of physicianhood....The authors examine the philosophical meanings of virtue, something distinct from a thick description of physicians acting virtuously....By linking virtues to a physician's character, they hope to emphasize the skills needed to be a good person rather than only those needed to conduct a professional--that is, a technically proficient--life."--New England Journal of Medicine"Important to all medical students and physicians who want to grasp the deeper dimensions of their life's work. The authors strive to expand and deepen the range of applied ethics generally through their exploration of the virtue dimension of medical ethics....The writing is lucid and appropriately accessible to those not specially trained in philosophy. The authors continue to demonstrate the value of cooperation between an experienced clinician and clinically astute philosopher in getting to the heart of good doctoring."--James F. Bresnahan, S, JD, LLM, PhD (Northwestern Univ Medical School), Doody's Journal"This provocative and articulate study is a significant contribution to the literature. It should certainly be read by every serious physician and ethicist."--Richard M. Zaner, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University, Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges"A lucid, thoughtful, and impressively organized description of the philosophical foundation of virtue-based ethics.... Demonstrates in logical sequence how to relate the virtues of the practice of medicine to the ends of the practice of medicine....Their discussions are thoughtful, intuitive, and illuminating....Also includes excellent discussions of the value and contemporary pertinence of virtues in medicine....A splendid book. It reads well; it is not pedantic; it is intellectually stimulating and morally refreshing; it expands our intellectual horizons; it illuminates our shortcomings and nourishes our capabilities without a trace of condescension or pontification. I urge every physician who has concerns about the moral climate or our troubled ethical scene to read this treatise. He or she will be comforted and educated by such an effort." --Bernard H. Adelson, MD, Evanston Hospital, Journal of the American Medical Association"The authors present an excellent introduction to current tides in bioethics....An interesting, well-reasoned and well-written work with insight." --J.E. Allen, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Choice"This provocative and articulate study is a significant contribution to the literature. It should certainly be read by every serious physician and ethicist." --Richard Zaner, PhD, Vanderbilt University, Academic Medicine"This is a very interesting book, which investigates in a clear manner the ethical problems of contemporary medicine from a virtue ethics point of view....The book is clearly written, well structured and well argued. It is an extremely valuable addition to the literature on the ethics of nursing....It is a book that will enrich the intellectual and moral awareness of all nurses working directly with their patients and clients."--Nursing Ethics
About the Author
Edmund D. Pellegrino, M.D., is John Carroll Professor of Medicine and Medical Ethics at Georgetown University. David C. Thomasma, Ph.D., is director of the Medical Humanities Program at Loyola University of Chicago.
