Summary

The Belmont Report begins by identifying three major ethical principles. First is 'respect for persons', which "incorporates at least two basic ethical convictions: first, that individuals should be treated as autonomous agents, and second, that persons with diminished autonomy are entitled to protection." (DHEW, 1978:4)
The second principle is 'beneficence', that is, "not only by respecting their decisions and protecting them from harm, but also by making efforts to secure their well-being." Moreover, "beneficence is understood in a stronger sense, as an obligation." It's intended as a combination of "do no harm" and "maximize benefits and minimize harm", with the recognition that even the determination of what is harmful might create a risk of harm (DHEW, 1978:6-7).
The third principle is 'justice'. The idea of justice, "in the sense of 'fairness in distribution' or 'what is deserved'" can be viewed from numerous perspectives, each of which needs to be considered, specifically, "(1) to each person an equal share, (2) to each person according to individual need, (3) to each person according to individual effort, (4) to each person according to societal contribution, and (5) to each person according to merit." The authors also note that exposing a disadvantaged group to risk is an injustice.

Content

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