Principalism, especially in the context of bioethics in the United States, has often been critiqued for raising the principle of autonomy to the highest place, such that it trumps all other principles or values. How would you rank the importance of each of the four principles? How do you believe they would be ordered in the context of the Christian biblical narrative? Refer to the lecture and topic readings in your response. Purchase the answer to view it

In the field of bioethics, principalism is a widely adopted approach that attempts to provide ethical guidance through the application of a set of fundamental principles. These principles, commonly known as the “four principles of biomedical ethics,” include autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. However, the question of how these principles should be ranked in terms of importance has been a subject of debate and critique. Some critics argue that principalism places too much emphasis on autonomy, elevating it above other principles and values. In this response, I will discuss the ranking of the four principles and explore how they may be ordered in the context of the Christian biblical narrative.

Autonomy, as one of the four principles of biomedical ethics, promotes respect for an individual’s ability to make autonomous decisions regarding their own healthcare. It recognizes the importance of informed consent and the right to self-determination. In the bioethical context, autonomy is often considered foundational, as it upholds the value of individual rights and personal freedom. However, critics argue that prioritizing autonomy may lead to a disregard for other moral principles, such as beneficence and justice.

Beneficence, the principle of doing good, highlights the duty to act in the best interest of the individual or society. It requires healthcare professionals to strive towards promoting the well-being and welfare of their patients. Beneficence acknowledges the importance of actions that maximize benefits and minimize harms. While autonomy focuses on individual choice, beneficence focuses on the welfare and overall good outcomes for the patient. In the context of the Christian biblical narrative, the principle of beneficence aligns with the teachings of Jesus to love one’s neighbor and to care for the vulnerable.

Nonmaleficence, which means to do no harm, emphasizes the obligation to avoid causing harm or suffering. It is closely related to beneficence, as it requires healthcare providers to balance the potential benefits of an action against the risks or potential harm it may cause to the patient. Nonmaleficence recognizes the imperative to prevent and mitigate harm and to prioritize the well-being and safety of the individual. The Christian biblical narrative also emphasizes the importance of avoiding harm to others and promoting peace and healing.

Justice, the fourth principle, addresses the fair and equitable distribution of resources and the fair treatment of individuals. It underscores the obligation to treat individuals fairly and to distribute resources, benefits, and burdens equitably. Justice acknowledges the need to address social determinants of health and to promote access to healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their social, economic, or cultural backgrounds. In the context of the Christian biblical narrative, justice is closely associated with the call to address systemic injustices and to advocate for the well-being of all members of society, particularly the marginalized and disadvantaged.

In terms of ranking the importance of these four principles, it is challenging to provide a definitive answer as their relative importance may vary depending on the specific ethical dilemma or cultural context. However, it is important to note that these principles are intended to be considered together, as they provide a comprehensive framework for ethical decision-making in bioethics.