Definitions
- Being constant (i.e., honest and consistent) in deeds and in communication.
What is Sincerity?
- “Sincerity” comes from the Latin sincerus, meaning, “whole, clean, uninjured”
- Sincerity can be thought of as part of the virtue of justice - giving to each their due. In a way we owe others our true, authentic self (governed by prudence).
- Sincerity is NOT Honesty, but instead is concerned with GENUINENESS and AUTHENTICITY
- Sincerity underpins and enhances the practice of other virtues.
- Sincerity is closely connected with integrity, compassion, and empathy.
Why should we practice the virtue of Sincerity?
- Sincerity helps us progress in our professional work, in our relationships, and in our personal growth because you cannot improve if you aren’t true to yourself.
- Sincerity enables others to be able to rely on our word.
- Sincerity can clear away excuses to better understand the issue at hand.
- Sincerity is meant for clarity and consistency so that future mistakes can be avoided.
Aristotle’s Doctrine of the Mean
Aristotle’s Doctrine of the Mean emphasizes balance as the essence of virtue, symbolized here by a mountain peak with a flag representing the ideal midpoint. Each virtue lies between two opposing vices—deficiency depicted on the left, and excess, on the right slope. For example, courage is the balance between cowardice (deficiency) and recklessness (excess). In a medical context, this principle guides healthcare professionals to strive for the peak of ethical behavior, avoiding the pitfalls of extremes to ensure thoughtful and compassionate care.
Case Studies
You are a medical student on your neurology clerkship. You've been caring for Mr. N, an older gentleman with progressive confusion and language difficulties, found to have several brain lesions of unclear etiology and ambiguous features on imaging. He has been admitted for further evaluation, with the top diagnoses being primary CNS lymphoma vs. demyelinating / inflammatory process.
Over the past few days, you've developed a rapport with Mr. N and his large extended family who visit regularly. You make a point of checking in with them, updating them on the general care plan and (in consultation with the rest of the team) test results.
This morning, Mr. N underwent a brain biopsy. In the early afternoon, the attending shares with you the preliminary read of the pathology: less likely lymphoma, more likely inflammatory / demyelinating lesion (i.e., good news).
As you're finishing up tasks later in the afternoon, you realize you haven't visited Mr. N and his family yet. Before leaving, you decide to stop by his room to check in. As you enter, you find a dozen family members eagerly waiting, and they inquire if you have heard anything about the biopsy results.
Discussion Questions
- What emotions/feelings does this case evoke? Fears? Worries?
- How would you approach this case? Which corresponding virtue (and perhaps opposing vice) are you presented with?
- What is sincerity? What are some other examples in the hospital which may present as an opportunity to grow in sincerity?
- Why is sincerity, as a virtue, important in the practice of medicine? Why should we care about sincerity?
- How can we grow in sincerity in the hospital?
How do we foster Sincerity?
- Find good friends and mentors who can be bluntly honest with us.
- Tracking daily metrics to help grow in sincerity.
- Develop the habit of only saying what we really mean.