If Holmes followed the principles of virtue ethics, then the company would not have been
liquidated and she would not have partaken in unethical practices from the beginning
Virtue ethics is a theory which emphasizes the practicing and development of moral
character within an individual to guide decisions. Aristotle was the philosopher who
hypothesized virtue ethics. He believed prosperity in virtue is obtained by practicing
honesty, friendliness, pride, wittiness, rationality in judgment, scientific knowledge, and
mutually beneficial relationships. Transparency is closely linked to honesty. Holmes should
have practiced virtue ethics to protect patients’ lives and operate an ethical company.
After the accusations in 2014, Holmes could have saved Theranos from liquidation with
virtue ethics, but her ego prevented her from admitting failure. For example, after the
accusations were published, Holmes enacts a transparency policy that provides results and
financial statements to the public because that is the virtuous option to carry out and as a
result, Theranos is given a less severe punishment and continues to operate. From
establishment in 2003, if Holmes practiced virtue ethics should she could have actually
developed a revolutionary blood test analysis system and save many lives, because she
would practice patience and honesty. Instead, Holmes allowed her greed and selfishness to
rule her judgment resulting in her desire to obtain money no matter whom she hurts in the
pursuit. An alternative option Theranos carried out was to deny the accusations, even if
true, and attack the publisher with lawyers. This option resulted in the termination of
Theranos. Virtue ethics is the best framework for enacting a transparency policy because
following virtue ethics means one has to be honest based off of moral character. Using the
Deontological framework which is the following of rules and guidelines to make moral
decisions Holmes was never obligated by law to be honest and transparent.
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