Final answer:
The ethical duty to do no harm is known as the principle of nonmaleficence and is one of the key principles of bioethics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ethical theory of deontology emphasizes the duty not to harm others, which is encapsulated in the principle of nonmaleficence. This ethical principle is fundamental to medical practice and dictates that healthcare providers should avoid causing unnecessary harm to patients, whether in clinical treatments or research trials. Deontological ethics, particularly within the field of medicine, stress adherence to moral norms and rules like those of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice to guide moral behavior. In the context of the question presented, the duty to do no harm refers to the principle of nonmaleficence, which is one of the core principles of bioethics. This principle is especially relevant when considering actions that might affect a person's well-being, such as medical procedures or participation in clinical trials. It is an ethical duty that healthcare providers must observe to ensure patients are not subjected to any unnecessary harm. Renowned philosopher Immanuel Kant, a proponent of deontological ethics, argued that morality is comprised of rules that any rational being would accept, which are not predicated on an action’s consequences but on moral norms. The deontological approach is thus categorically distinct from consequentialist ethical theories, focusing on the intrinsic rightness or wrongness of an action as guided by duty.