Final answer:
The principle that allows individuals the right to self-determination and to make their own choices is the principle of autonomy. It is a key ethical principle in health care and in the broader context of moral decision-making. Autonomy contrasts with Ethical Egoism by promoting consistency and mutually acceptable principles for resolving moral issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ethical principle that asserts individuals have the right to determine their own actions and have the freedom to make their own decisions is known as the principle of autonomy. This principle is particularly emphasised in clinical settings, where it is crucial for patients to exercise agency or self-determination in making decisions about their health care. The respect for autonomy is fundamental to the ethics of informed consent, ensuring that participants in clinical trials voluntarily agree to partake and are fully informed about the trial's processes and potential risks.
On a broader societal scale, autonomy is also an important concept in defining our responsibility and freedom in making moral decisions. It challenges individuals to consider what principles they will live by, urging them to move beyond Ethical Egoism (EE) which prioritizes self-interest and lacks consistency in resolving moral conflicts. The principle of autonomy encourages the development of a mutually agreed principle of the Good for moral decision-making.