The Virtuous Patient: Cultivating Character Amidst Adversity

Despite the significance of suffering, illness, and disability, for long time little attention has been devoted to the moral flourishing of individuals living with chronic diseases. Instead, philosophers have primarily focus on examining healthcare providers’ virtues as well as those traits that are relevant to patient-caregiver relationships. This work aims to prioritize patients’ experiences, exploring the compatibility between illness and individual moral progress, while also identifying virtues that can help them in coping with their condition and enhancing their overall well-being. In summary, the book offers a nuanced understanding of the role of character in fostering functional coping and positive adaptation and promoting “illfullness”, the flourishing of the sick person amidst their illness.