The Principle of Beneficence in Biomedicine

898 Words2 Pages

INTRODUCTION Munyaradzi (2012) critically explores the in-depth weaknesses of beneficence and certain points where it becomes a principle under scrutiny. He begins by blaming ethicists for not exploring the depth of the principle of beneficence in several fields especially in biomedicine. Further, it provides the layman with an introduction to the principle and to how it is used by various health practitioners throughout the world, along with discussing the history of the idea. He then sheds light numerous cases where it becomes highly problematic for physicians to decide upon the issue. The author puts special emphasis on practicality in his writing with the help of certain case studies. Then, Munyaradzi provides with strategies and ideas with which this principle can be imparted in a better sense to the mankind. KEY POINTS OF CONSIDERATION The writer asserts that, although the doctor upholds the dignity of oaths by preventing or terminating any harm towards the patient, equally important is assessing the possible benefits and drawbacks of any treatment. Therefore, it is vital to discuss the principle of beneficence under two subheadings, positive beneficence and the utilitarian principle (Beauchamp, 1989, p.195). The writer discusses a situation of the doctor failing to disclose the nature of important medical condition which can jeopardize several of the patient’s family members and puts the doctor at odds with them. The problem is also discussed by Sutrop (2011) who show how protecting the patient’s confidentiality and self- decision capacity has actually caused severe hindrances to the field of scientific development and research. In the next section, Munyaradzi is seen to further seen to confuse the matter by arguing again... ... middle of paper ... ... In: Thomasma D, Kushner T, Eds. From birth to death—science and bioethics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Macklin R. (2003). Applying the Four Principles, Journal of Medical Ethics; 29: p.275-280 doi:10.1136/jme.29.5.275.retrieved from http:// jme.bmj.com/content/29/5/275.full Munyaradzi Mawere, (2012), Critical reflections on the principle of beneficence in biomedicine. The Pan African Medical Journal, 11(29). Retrieved on 14/3/2014 from http://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/11/29/full Singer P. (1979), Rich and Poor, Practical ethics (2nd edition. pg.218-46), Cambridge University Press. Sutrop M. (2011) How to avoid a dichotomy between autonomy and beneficence: from liberalism to communitarianism and beyond. Journal of Internal Medicine. 269(4):375-79. Retrieved from http:// onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jim.2011.269.issue-4/issuetoc

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