In ethics, what is the principle of 'do no harm' most closely aligned with?

• A. Beneficence
• B. Autonomy
• C. Non-maleficence
• D. Justice

Answer: (C)

Non-maleficence is the idea behind “do no harm”: it requires not causing injury or unnecessary risk to others through our actions or omissions. This principle guides decisions to avoid harms when the benefits are uncertain or not enough to justify the risk. It’s about restraint and careful weighing of potential harms against potential benefits, not about actively doing good. That active doing-good aim belongs to beneficence, while autonomy focuses on respecting individuals’ rights to make their own choices, and justice concerns fair treatment and distribution of burdens and benefits. A practical example in healthcare is choosing a treatment plan only after considering how risky it is for the patient, and preferring safer options when the potential harm outweighs the possible benefit.