Final answer:
Non-maleficence is an ethical principle in healthcare that directs medical professionals to avoid causing harm to patients. It extends to ensuring that medical interventions are only performed when necessary and that the benefits outweigh potential harms. This concept is also rooted in historical ethical teachings emphasizing compassion and non-violence.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Non-Maleficence?
The principle of nonmaleficence is a fundamental ethical guideline in medicine and healthcare, meaning "not to harm" or "do no harm." In a clinical context, this principle states that medical professionals should act in ways that do not cause harm to patients. This involves ensuring that any treatment, procedure, or test does not unnecessarily harm the patient and that any potential harm is outweighed by the benefits of the intervention. For example, while surgery might cause initial harm, if it is necessary for effective treatment, it is justified under the principle of nonmaleficence.
In the field of research, nonmaleficence dictates that trials should be designed to minimize harm to participants. This extends beyond healthcare, influencing how any professional or individual should act towards others, including the realms of business operations, shareholder interactions, and stakeholder engagement.
Historically, the concept relates to broader ethical teachings, such as those found in the Jain religion or as practiced by Mahatma Gandhi, focusing on non-violence and compassion. Additionally, it aligns with ancient teachings such as those from Zoroastrianism, which emphasized that human nature is good when it does not harm others.