Answer 2 for PHI 413 Based on your worldview, how do you rank the importance of each of the four principles in order to protect the health and safety of diverse populations?

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The four principles of biomedical ethics are autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. These principles serve as a guide for ethical decision-making in healthcare, both in the United States and globally. In the context of my worldview, which aligns with the Christian worldview, these principles can be ranked and interpreted as follows:

  1. Nonmaleficence: This principle, derived from the Latin phrase “primum non nocere,” meaning “do no harm,” can be considered the most important from my perspective. The Bible teaches believers to “do unto others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31, New International Version). This implies an obligation to avoid causing harm to others, which aligns with the principle of nonmaleficence. Prioritizing non-maleficence safeguards the health and safety of diverse populations (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013), which aligns with my Christian commitment to compassion and care for others.
  2. Beneficence: This principle of doing good for others aligns with my worldview and the Christian teachings of love and kindness. In Galatians 6:10, it says, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” This suggests that we have a moral duty to promote the welfare of others, which is the essence of beneficence. The principle of beneficence ensures that diverse populations receive compassionate and effective healthcare interventions that contribute to their overall health and flourishing (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).
  3. Autonomy: The principle of autonomy, or respect for a person’s freedom to make their own decisions, can be traced back to the Christian belief in free will and individual responsibility. Respecting the autonomy of diverse populations ensures that their unique beliefs and values are acknowledged in healthcare decision-making, promoting a sense of dignity and self-determination
  4. Justice: This principle refers to the fair and equal treatment of all individuals. The Bible urges Christians to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute” (Proverbs 31:8). However, this principle is ranked fourth because, in my view, this is not due to its lack of importance but rather reflects the complexity of addressing justice for diverse populations within the healthcare system. Ensuring equitable access to healthcare resources and addressing systemic disparities is crucial, but it may present significant challenges for diverse populations (Healthcare Ethics and Law, n.d.).

This ranking reflects my view on the ethical imperative to prevent harm, the commitment to promoting the well-being of others, individual autonomy, and the recognition of the importance of justice in healthcare. By prioritizing these principles in the specified order, the health and safety of diverse populations can be effectively protected within the framework of bioethics.

References

  • Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of biomedical ethics (7th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
  • Galatians 6:10, Luke 6:31, and Proverbs 31:8. In the Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Published by Henry