PHI-413V Topic 3 DQ 1

The four principles of biomedical ethics, especially in the context of bioethics in the United States, have often been critiqued for raising the principle of autonomy to the highest place, such that it trumps all other principles or values. 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?
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to the “Discussion Question Rubric” and “Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education
This assignment aligns with AACN Core Competencies: 3.1

Solution

In considering the four principles of biomedical ethics (justice, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and autonomy) I prioritize justice as the most important to protect the health and safety of diverse populations. Justice ensures equitable healthcare access, fair treatment, and the reduction of health disparities, particularly for marginalized communities. Without justice, autonomy and beneficence become privileges rather than rights, leaving vulnerable populations without adequate care (Garcia, 2020). Beneficence follows as the second priority, emphasizing the duty of healthcare professionals to act in the best interest of patients by promoting well-being and improving health outcomes. This principle ensures that care decisions prioritize positive impacts on individuals and communities, particularly those who may lack full medical knowledge or resources. Nonmaleficence ranks third, as avoiding harm is essential, but it must be balanced with the need to take calculated risks to achieve beneficial outcomes (Cheraghi et al., 2023). Lastly, while autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle, I rank it fourth because individual decision-making should not override public health and safety. In cases such as vaccination policies or quarantine mandates, limiting autonomy may be necessary to prevent harm to others. A patient’s right to choose is important, but it must be weighed against broader ethical responsibilities to society and vulnerable populations.

References:

Cheraghi, R., Valizadeh, L., Zamanzadeh, V., Hassankhani, H., & Jafarzadeh, A. (2023). Clarification of ethical principle of the beneficence in nursing care: an integrative review. BMC nursing, 22(1), 89. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12912-023-01246-4

Garcia, J. L. (2020, July). Virtues and principles in biomedical ethics. In The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy: A Forum for Bioethics and Philosophy of Medicine (Vol. 45, No. 4-5, pp. 471-503). US: Oxford University Press. https://academic.oup.com/jmp/article-abstract/45/4-5/471/5878078

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