Question

Principalism, especially in the context of bioethics in the United States, has often been critiqued for raising the principle of autonomy to the highest place, such that it trumps all other principles or values. How would you rank the importance of each of the four principles? How do you believe they would be ordered in the context of the Christian biblical narrative? Refer to the lecture and topic readings in your response

Answer 1

There are four biomedical ethics principles, according to the Dama Lawrence they are:

1. Autonomy: It is the ability to decide for ones' self

2. Beneficence: It is like the golden rule

3. Nonmaleficence: First to do no harm

4. Justice: Respect for people’s rights

How I would rank them is autonomy and nonmaleficence go together. As a nurse that is my first priority is that I am there for my patient and would never want to cause them harm. Second would come beneficence and justice.

The Christian Narrative response to the biomedical ethics as creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Creation meaning that God is the creator of everything, Fall- The act of disobedience to God, Redemption- God died for our sin and Restoration- He will come to judge the living and the died.

Reference:

Lawrence, J., Dama 2007. The Four Principles of Biomedical Ethics: A Foundation of Current Biomedical Debate.