Case 38 : PRUDENCE
Challenges
A 52-year old female reached the Emergency Department in cardio-pulmonary arrest. Three hours prior to consultation patient suddenly complained of difficulty in breathing with cyanosis. Upon arrival, immediate intubation and CPR were done, and patient revived. But 30 minutes later she suffered another CP arrest. After an hour of CPR with no signs of improvement, the doctors wanted to give up, but felt unsure whether this was the right thing to do or not.
Question
In general, how could one determine whether one’s plan of actions is good or not?
Solutions
Knowing what medical procedures can save lives is one thing, but whether to apply such procedure or not is another.
Likewise, from an ethical perspective, one may know the ethical principles, but how to apply them is another question. For instance, as to the ethical principle that a medical procedure may be withheld or withdrawn when there is no more hope for recovery or if the burden is too much: when exactly does this point arrive? In other words, aside from knowing the principles (which are always general), one should also know how to apply them (to specific cases).
For this, the virtue of prudence is necessary. Prudence is not simply caution, but is a certain ease in taking into consideration all the factors that enter into any particular moral decision. (The concept of “virtue” comes into play: it is a good habit that allow one to do good actions spontaneously, promptly, easily and joyfully.) Prudence allows a person to make a good judgment of conscience, and then courageously and consistently act according to that judgment.
This virtue develops through study and experience. Persons who possess this virtue do not panic in new or difficult decisions, but calmly do all the things necessary to form their conscience well: to arrive at moral certitude, and then to act decisively.
