Edgar, Andrew  ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4556-5147 and Pattison, Stephen
2011.
Integrity and the moral complexity of professional practice.
Nursing Philosophy
12
(2)
, pp. 94-106.
10.1111/j.1466-769X.2010.00481.x
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Abstract
The paper offers an account of integrity as the capacity to deliberate and reflect usefully in the light of context, knowledge, experience, and information (that of self and others) on complex and conflicting factors bearing on action or potential action. Such an account of integrity seeks to encompass the moral complexity and conflict of the professional environment, and the need for compromises in professional practice. In addition, it accepts that humans are social beings who must respect and engage with the moral position of others. This account is contrasted with a more traditional view of integrity as the rigid maintenance of consistency between professional practice and deeply held, but inflexible, moral principles. While this strong sense of moral conviction may be valuable as a source of moral motivation, e.g. in the case of whistle-blowers, it is equally likely to lead to dogmatism and hubris. Professionals and their organizations are encouraged to foster the more complex and reflective form of integrity.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > English, Communication and Philosophy Schools > Global Humanities |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BV Practical Theology |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | moral reflection, personal integrity, professional integrity, whistle-blowing |
| Publisher: | Wiley-Blackwell |
| ISSN: | 1466-7681 |
| Date of First Compliant Deposit: | 21 August 2026 |
| Last Modified: | 21 Aug 2026 13:15 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189080 |
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