Which concept in bioethics is represented by Beneficence vs. Maleficence?

Which concept in bioethics is represented by Beneficence vs. Maleficence?

• A. Nonmaleficence
• B. Autonomy
• C. Beneficence vs. Maleficence
• D. Justice

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is the balance between doing good and avoiding harm in bioethics. Beneficence means actively promoting the welfare and well-being of others, while maleficence refers to actions that cause harm or carry substantial risk. In practice, decisions about care involve weighing benefits to residents against potential harms, so this pairing captures that moral tension. Understanding this helps you see why the concept described here centers on promoting good while preventing harm. Autonomy refers to respecting individuals’ right to make their own choices, which is a related but separate principle. Justice concerns fair and equitable treatment. Nonmaleficence focuses specifically on not causing harm, whereas the stated pairing emphasizes the broader dynamic of pursuing benefit while avoiding harm.

The idea being tested is the balance between doing good and avoiding harm in bioethics. Beneficence means actively promoting the welfare and well-being of others, while maleficence refers to actions that cause harm or carry substantial risk. In practice, decisions about care involve weighing benefits to residents against potential harms, so this pairing captures that moral tension. Understanding this helps you see why the concept described here centers on promoting good while preventing harm.

Autonomy refers to respecting individuals’ right to make their own choices, which is a related but separate principle. Justice concerns fair and equitable treatment. Nonmaleficence focuses specifically on not causing harm, whereas the stated pairing emphasizes the broader dynamic of pursuing benefit while avoiding harm.