Beneficence and Non-maleficence

Beneficence and non-maleficence are ethical principles guiding actions, particularly in healthcare. Beneficence means acting in ways that promote the well-being and happiness of others, essentially doing good. Non-maleficence, on the other hand, emphasizes a commitment to not cause harm. Together, they form a moral compass ensuring that decisions and actions prioritize the welfare and safety of individuals. For example, a doctor aims to help a patient recover (beneficence) while also ensuring treatments don’t cause unnecessary side effects or suffering (non-maleficence). These principles guide responsible and ethical behavior across various fields, not just medicine.