Abstract
This Editorial enables me to reflect on events of the last week when Exeter University and College students, educators, patient representatives and older adults came together in Exeter for consultations on the ‘Future of Ageing’ 1 and the development of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on the theme of ‘Cultivating Character for Care’. Later in the week, I had the pleasure of engaging with our Academy of Nursing students on the latter theme and they shared additional perspectives on the meaning and implications of character and virtues for life and for care. These wide-ranging conversations remind that, despite decades of discussion regarding character-based approaches to ethics in care, the field continues to evolve and significant questions remain. In the light of this we hope readers, and others interested, will join us for an October conference on this theme (see below).
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics is leading an inquiry on the ‘Future of Ageing’ 1 and are engaging with stakeholders to examine the role and contribution of science and technology to living well in later years. The Nuffield Council consultation in Exeter had two parts, each with engaging provocations: on technology, a short video ‘Uninvited Guests’ 2 relating to the experience of 70 year old Thomas and his engagement with new technologies; and a short lecture on geroscience by Professor Janet Lord. 3 Both provoked a wide range of discussion regarding the ethics of technology and science with points made regarding the benefits and harms to individuals and impact on the dignity, privacy, autonomy and care of older adults. There was conversation also regarding the intergenerational impact of technological and scientific developments and reflection on longevity and quality of life. These conversations suggested the contribution of family and communities in enhancing (or diminishing) flourishing and also the role of care-givers (informal and professional) as older adults negotiate new technologies and scientific developments. Ethical aspects of technology and scientific developments in relation to ageing, then, impact on care-giving and urge reflection on the conduct and character of care-givers. This was the focus of the afternoon’s workshop on the theme of ‘Cultivating character for care.’
There was much discussion and a wide range of perspectives regarding the meaning of ‘good character’. Participants referred to ‘being friendly and motivated to help’, ‘looking after people as human beings’, being ‘professional’, having ‘good morals’, managing time and making time for care-recipients, being a team player, being self aware and maintaining professional boundaries. There was also awareness of the ‘good character’ requirements of nurse regulators such as the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council. 4 What was common to all of the conversations was the necessary connection between good character and virtues or moral dispositions/qualities. As readers of this journal are aware that the literature on virtues and virtue ethics is legion (see, for example, Refs. 5–7) and, perhaps unsurprisingly, much of the Exeter conversations resonated with this. For example, there was reference to kindness, empathy, compassion and care. These and other virtues identified for the MOOC (under development) were discussed in more detail, and participants shared how these are enacted in care and whether –and how – these virtues can be developed in care-givers. The development of a MOOC will be a collaboration between the Academy of Nursing, University of Exeter and Exeter College.
The Academy of Nursing is also planning an October conference on the theme of ‘Cultivating Character for Care’, in collaboration with the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues at the University of Birmingham. 8 You are, therefore, invited to attend a conference at the University of Exeter on 7th and 8th October 2022. A special issue of this journal will follow the conferences and submissions are invited. More information will appear on the Nursing Ethics 9 and university websites soon.