1 A Code of Ethics for All of Us

Four fundamental ethical principles (a very simple introduction)

Imagine how much better our society would be if we each adopted the following principles as guidelines for the conduct of our daily lives and especially if we adopted the principles as criteria for evaluating the quality of the decisions we make.

The Principle of Respect for autonomy

We have an obligation to respect the autonomy of other persons, which is to respect the decisions made by other people concerning their own lives.

This is also called the principle of human dignity. It gives us a negative duty not to interfere with the decisions of competent adults, and a positive duty to empower others for whom we’re responsible.

Corollary: honesty in our dealings with others & obligation to keep promises.

The Principle of Beneficence

We have an obligation to bring about good in all our actions.

Corollary: We must take positive steps to prevent harm. However, adopting this corollary principle frequently places us in direct conflict with respecting the autonomy of other persons.

The Principle of nonmaleficence

We have an obligation not to harm others: "First, do no harm."

Corollary: Where harm cannot be avoided, we are obligated to minimise the harm we do.

Corollary: Don't increase the risk of harm to others.

Corollary: It is wrong to waste resources that could be used for good.

Combining beneficence and nonmaleficence:

Each action must produce more good than harm.

The Principle of justice

We have an obligation to provide others with whatever they are owed or deserve. In public life, we have an obligation to treat all people equally, fairly, and impartially.

Corollary: Impose no unfair burdens.

Combining beneficence and justice

We are obligated to work for the benefit of those who are unfairly treated.

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Source

http://web.mnstate.edu/gracyk/courses/phil%20115/Four_Basic_principles.htm

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