Basic Ethical Principles

Guide us to what is right from wrong

Mary Grace M. Paayas, RN,MAN,PhD AY 2021-22

Autonomy (Self Determination)

Promotes self-determination and
freedom of choice

Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

Actions are taken in an effort to promote
good; to avoid harm

Paternalism

One individual assumes the right to

make decisions for another

Utility
The good of the many outweighs the
wants or needs of the individual

Justice (Treating other people fairly)

treat “equals” equally and treat
“unequals” according to their differences
 Veracity

Obligation to tell the truth

Fidelity: Keeping Promises

moral obligation to be faithful to
one's commitments and promises

Confidentiality

Keep privileged information private

Ethics is a system of moral conduct and principles

that guide a person’s actions in regard to right and
wrong and in regard to oneself and society at large.

List of references available upon request 2021