Virtues & Care Approa

Care Ethics Approach

Care Ethics Approach

Emphasizes relationships, empathy, and responsibility for others' well-being over principles like justice or rights Decisions should focus on meeting the specific needs of vulnerable individuals rather than applying universal, one-size-fits-all rules

Make exceptions or break rules

An automatic or top-down way will often fail based on the complexities of caring relationships. Perhaps a rule should even sometimes be violated or an exception admitted—and for good reason.

Care within the field of sport coaching

1. The act of superficial care and the impediment on learning and performance
2. The act of touching athletes: the protection and safeguarding of our athletes
3. Reciprocity: relational notion of care and supporting networks

Lewis, et al. (2022)

Return-to-Play

Placing pressure upon the athlete to return to play before they are ready

Athlete Mental Health

Care within the field of sport coaching

1. The act of superficial care and the impediment on learning and performance
2. The act of touching athletes: the protection and safeguarding of our athletes
3. Reciprocity: relational notion of care and supporting networks

Lewis, et al. (2022)

Virtues

'Virtues' are attitudes, dispositions, or character traits that enable us to be and to act in ways that develop this potential.

Velasquez et al. (1988)

Virtue Ethics

• Emphasizes the importance of internal disposition and character

• Focuses on moral character and intentions

• Encourages individuals to reflect on and live by ethical qualities

(Torres, C., 2024)

Velasquez et al. (1988)

Examples

excellence

dedication

honesty

courage

compassion

(Torres, C., 2024)

Velasquez et al. (1988)

Virtues

• When someone says a person is “virtuous,” what comes to mind? How do you define virtue?
• Who are the people in your life that you consider virtuous? Are they also role models?
• Think of an athlete or sports figure known for their strong character. What virtues do they represent?

Situational Virtues?

• Does this action align with your desired personal character?
• Consider whether the action aligns with the company’s reputation or vision. (Remember that organizations often strive to embody virtuous qualities themselves and may aim to cultivate similar virtues in their employees.)
• Does this/these action maintains a balance between excellence and success for the firm?

The Golden Mean

The perfect balance between extremes

Imaged adapted from The Arthur W. Center, 2025)

(Papouli, E., 2018)

Golden Mean in Sport

Excessive Aggression

Deficient Aggression

Golden Mean

The player demonstrates assertiveness and competitiveness within the rules, ensuring fair play without resorting to excessive aggression or passivity.

Players fail to assert themselves, allowing opponents to dominate unfairly.

The player engages in unnecessary roughness, potentially causing harm to opponents.

Finding The Golden Mean

The perfect balance between extremes

Imaged adapted from The Arthur W. Center, 2025)

Strengths

• Broader Focus: It emphasizes not only individual actions but also considers the qualities of the individual and organization and the community's influence on ethical ideals.
• Development of Habits: It prioritizes cultivating habits that reflect societal and organizational values, fostering consistent virtuous behavior.
• Beyond Rule-Following: It underscores that ethical behavior embodies virtuous conduct rather than just following rules, guidelines, and/or outcomes.