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

Show More
Related

  • Medical Paternalism Analysis

    780 Words  | 2 Pages

    Alan Goldman argues that medical paternalism is unjustified except in very rare cases. He states that disregarding patient autonomy, forcing patients to undergo procedures, and withholding important information regarding diagnoses and medical procedures is morally wrong. Goldman argues that it is more important to allow patients to have the ability to make autonomous decisions with their health and what treatment options if any they want to pursue. He argues that medical professionals must respect patient autonomy regardless of the results that may or may not be beneficial to a patient’s health. I will both offer an objection and support Goldman’s argument. I will

    Read More

  • Respect For Patients, Physicians, And The Truth By Susan Cullen And Margaret Brown

    1447 Words  | 3 Pages

    One of the most complex, ever-changing careers is the medical field. Physicians are not only faced with medical challenges, but also with ethical ones. In “Respect for Patients, Physicians, and the Truth”, by Susan Cullen and Margaret Klein, they discuss to great extent the complicated dilemmas physicians encounter during their practice. In their publication, Cullen and Klein discuss the pros and cons of disclosing the medical diagnosis (identifying the nature or cause of the disease), and the prognosis (the end result after treating the condition). But this subject is not easily regulated nor are there guidelines to follow. One example that clearly illustrates the ambiguity of the subject is when a patient is diagnosed with a serious, life-threatening

    Read More

  • Negative Critique on Alan Goldman's View on Medical Paternalism

    1459 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the realm of medical ethics, there are many topics that are debated and discussed, but there is not necessarily one clear, correct answer. One of these topics is paternalism. Many questions are bandied back and forth: is it beneficial, should it be disallowed entirely, are there instances when paternalism is good and beneficial, and the list goes on. For each of these questions there have been authors who have provided their comments. One such author is Alan Goldman. He draws a very firm line on paternalism, simply put: medical paternalism is deleterious to a patient because it intrudes on their primary rights of liberty and autonomy. This paper is going to expound upon Goldman’s viewpoint in detail, going through point by point how he presents his argument. There will then be a critique of Goldman’s viewpoint that will counter his main points. The counterpoints will show Goldman’s views on paternalism are incorrect and should not be considered valid.

    Read More

  • Kant Vs Mill on the Issue of Lying

    1763 Words  | 4 Pages

    Veatch, Robert M.,"The Normative Principles of Medical Ethics." In Medical ethics. 1997. Reprint, Boston, MA: Jones and Bartlett, 1989 29-56.

    Read More

  • Death with Dignity or Sanctity of Life: Who Gets to Choose?

    978 Words  | 2 Pages

    Denise Dudzinski, PhD, MTS, Helene Starks, PhD, MPH, Nicole White, MD, MA (2009) ETHICS IN MEDICINE. Retrieved from: http://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/topics/pad.html

    Read More

  • Ethics In Charlie Gordon's 'Flowers For Algernon'

    622 Words  | 2 Pages

    Siegler, M., and W. Winslade. "Ethics in Medicine." Clinical Ethics. By A. R. Jonsen. 7th ed. N.p.:

    Read More

  • Decisions from Health Care Providers

    579 Words  | 2 Pages

    Providers must act in the best interest of the patient and their basic obligation is to do no harm and work for the public’s wellbeing. A physician shall always keep in mind the obligation of preserving human life. Providers must communicate full, accurate and unbiased information so patients can make informed decisions about their health care. As a result of their recommendations, providers are responsible for generating costs in health care but do not generate the need for those expenses. Every hospital has both an ethical as well as a legal responsibility to provide care, even if the care may be uncompensated.

    Read More

  • Why Pellegrino Rejects Rights-Based Medical Ethics

    392 Words  | 1 Pages

    Pellegrino centers the theme of the article on the synergetic relationship between the two dogmas of medical ethics, rights-based and virtue ethics. The main reason Pellegrino rejects rights-based medical ethics in favor of virtuous dealings is simply because according to him, virtue ethics is the most substantial system of ensuring the patient’s rights. It contains the positive aspects of the opposing model, and adds more to it. To put this more specifically, Pellegrino believes that the duty expected of the best physicians should be personal sacrifice and resistance to self-interest. Thus by voiding these potential limitations the doctor is able to better achieve the truest and purest version of medical benevolence and compassion, as has

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Alan Goldman's The Refutation Of Medical Paternalism

    1121 Words  | 3 Pages

    In his essay, “The Refutation of Medical Paternalism,” Alan Goldman discusses his argument against differentiation in the roles between physicians and patients. He says the physician may act against a patient’s will in order treat the patient in their best interest. Goldman makes his whole argument around the assumption that a person’s right to decide his or her future is the most important and fundamental right, saying, “the autonomous individual is the source of those other goods he enjoys, and so is not to be sacrificed for the sake of them.” His claim is that most people agree that they are the best judges of their own self-interest and there is an innate value in the freedom to determine their own future. On these principles, Goldman starts by discussing conditions under which paternalism may be justified.

    Read More

  • The Four Principles in Biomedical Ethics

    1549 Words  | 4 Pages

    In this diverse society we are confronted everyday with so many ethical choices in provision of healthcare for individuals. It becomes very difficult to find a guideline that would include a border perspective which might include individual’s beliefs and preference across the world. Due to these controversies, the four principles in biomedical ethic which includes autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice help us understand and explain which medical practices are ethical and acceptable. These principles are not only used to protect the rights of a patient but also the physician from being violated.

    Read More

  • Racial Discrimination and Health Care

    1821 Words  | 4 Pages

    Steinbock, Bonnie, Alex J. London, and John D. Arras. "The Principles Approach." Ethical Issues in Modern Medicine. Contemporary Readings in Bioethics. 8th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2013. 36-37. Print.

    Read More

  • Confidentiality And Confidentiality In Nursing

    2424 Words  | 5 Pages

    There are weaknesses in professional guidelines and rules because they are unable to provide the directives for moral reasoning and action is health care situations. Many people state that biomedical ethics provides a framework and emphasis on the person rather than the professional code and legal policy (Beauchamp and Childress, 2001). On the other hand they serve a purpose to provide some direction for professionals however codes of practise do not dismiss.

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Utilitarianism And Kantianism

    1121 Words  | 3 Pages

    Though most view hearing the truth from another person an individual’s right and overall kind act, doctors don’t alway look at truth telling as having a positive outcome. The same debate is often had over doctor-patient confidentiality. In general it is more beneficial for doctors to keep that promise, allowing patients to trust their physicians, making them more forthcoming with vital information. However when cases cause physicians to question what is more important, keeping the patient 's secret or breaking trust to create more benefit to all? In search for the right answer, many doctors turn to moral theories like Utilitarianism and Kantianism to help them

    Read More

  • Moral and Ethical Issues of Euthanasia

    1525 Words  | 4 Pages

    McGee, Glenn and Arthur L. Caplan. "Medical Ethics." Microsoft® Encarta® 98 Encyclopedia. © 1993-1997: Microsoft Corporation. CD-ROM.

    Read More

  • Nursing Code of Ethics

    1354 Words  | 3 Pages

    Garrett, T. M., Baillie, H. W., & Garrett, R. M. (2010). Health care ethics: Principles and problems (5thed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Read More

More about The Principle of Beneficence in Biomedicine

Open Document