환자와 의사의 도덕적 대화를 위한 덕으로서 존중(Respect)

Some of the medical problems that physicians confront cannot be solved merely through the application of objective medical knowledge and technology. Some medical problems involve a moral dimension related to the life of the patient. Therefore, physicians should be interested, not only in medical technologies and techniques, but also in the lives of their patients. For this reason, increasing emphasis is being placed on communication between patients and physicians. In order to treat patients effectively, physicians should consider the requirements and values of their patients through dialogue with them. However, problems arise in light of the fact that patients and physicians may not always agree in the course of their communication. There is always room for conflict between the physician’s and the patient’s view of what is best for the patient. The virtue of respect, as the inner character and quality that make individuals act appropriately when faced with moral dilemmas, has an important meaning in medical practice. The virtue of respect, internalized to become part of one’s own character, becomes an important value in the decision-making process and enables physicians to do what is in the best interests of their patients. The virtue of respect is a fundamental virtue for communication between physicians and patients and is an especially important value in current medical practice, which places great emphasis on the rights of patients.