Which ethical principle refers to doing good or causing no harm?

The ethical principle that refers to doing good or causing no harm is known as beneficence. This principle emphasizes the importance of actions that contribute to the well-being of others. It involves taking positive steps to help people, ensuring that the actions taken lead to beneficial outcomes, and maximizing possible benefits while minimizing potential harm.

Beneficence is foundational in various fields, especially in healthcare and ethics, as it underscores the responsibility of professionals to act in the best interest of others, promoting health, safety, and welfare. The focus here is not merely about avoiding harm (which relates to nonmaleficence) but actively engaging in practices that improve the situation of individuals or communities.

In contrast to beneficence, other principles like justice focus on fairness and equitable distribution of resources, while respect for autonomy emphasizes the rights of individuals to make informed decisions about their own lives. Nonmaleficence specifically deals with the obligation not to inflict harm intentionally. Understanding beneficence is essential for recognizing the importance of proactive measures in ethical decision-making.