A shared humanity: COVID capitalism and the future of the health care ethics

The tension between the economy and health care in the United States was on full display during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to raise uncomfortable questions for the medical and faith communities. Chief among the issues raised is the inequality that emerged between the healthy and vulnerable, which caused vocal proponents to encourage the vulnerable to sacrifice their lives in order for the economy to continue unfettered by the pandemic. This article explores how “COVID capitalism” constricted the ability of the health care community to execute its duties morally and promote the health and well-being of the nation’s elderly. It argues that the practices of vulnerability and dependence, viewed through the cardinal virtues, unseat the economic reason at the heart of COVID capitalism and promote health as a central good alongside economic well-being.