Question

The principle of Justice requires an equitable distribution of the benefits and burdens of research because (Select all that apply):

a. It promotes fairness
b. It enhances participant autonomy
c. It ensures social utility
d. It mitigates researcher bias

Answer 1

The principle of justice in research obligations ensures fairness and social utility by requiring fair distribution of benefits and burdens among participants, but does not directly enhance participant autonomy or mitigate researcher bias.

Step-by-step explanation:

The principle of justice requires an equitable distribution of the benefits and burdens of research because it:

• Promotes fairness by ensuring that treatments and care received by participants are similar in relevant circumstances and similar cases are treated similarly.
• It does not directly enhance participant autonomy, but equitable treatment can result in a respectful and ethical research environment where autonomy is upheld.
• Ensures social utility by aiming for a fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and rights within the involved community, thus maximizing human happiness.
• It may indirectly mitigate researcher bias by enforcing fair treatment and unbiased participant selection, but its primary goal is to distribute benefits and burdens equally.

The principle of justice is interlinked with social justice and stipulates that healthcare and healthcare research should not privilege or discriminate against certain groups but provide fair access and benefits to all participants involved. Meanwhile, the principle of beneficence ensures that actions taken are for the good of others. Both principles contribute to the overall ethical design and conduct of clinical trials and healthcare practices.