Reasons, Rules and Virtues in Moral Education

Practical and theoretical shortcomings of an approach to moral education based on the development of moral reasoning are noted and the alternative of promoting the virtues is considered. The identification of appropriate virtues with modes of commitment and conduct supportive of a particular way of life is held to raise the further question of why a particular way of life should be favoured, and how our own way of life should be characterised. This latter, permitting social and geographical mobility, anonymity and value pluralism, is contrasted with that of smaller, more traditional communities paradigmatic of communitarian ethics. An ethic of respect for equal freedom is held to be compatible with the current nature of society and to be favoured by the virtue of appropriate self-assertion. The educational implications of such a conclusion are explored.     

Stimulating growth and development of medical society libraries

A library can represent the most valuable personal service which a medical society can offer to a physician; yet, libraries unfortunately are taking a lessening role in medical societies. Surveys show that medical society libraries have declined in number from seventy-one in 1942 to forty-eight at the present time. This paper offers a positive plan of action with the objective of enabling libraries to regain a position of eminence in medical societies. It is pointed out that there are four vital elements in stimulating the growth and development of a library. These are the constant enhancement of resources; the promotion of library services; the rendering of prompt, valuable services; and ultimately, the recognition of the library through gifts, endowments, and expressions of appreciation.