literally doing good, a principle found in various moral theories of obligation to do good.

an ethical principle that requires that we do good and prevent harm.

a key principle of bioethics ethics that demands that professionals act for the good of patients. Knowing what is good for a patient is not always clearly understood, and doing what is good for a patient is not always supported by the health care system.

doing good; feeling beneficent

The goal of medical science is broadly beneficent: it is supposed to do good by improving health and treating injury and illness. But health is not an absolute value, with the result that the medical profession's authority does not extend indefinitely. Given the ever-expanding horizon of possibility opened up by advances in medical technology, the question of what we may do in the name of health will surely be posed ever anew. [See Case Studies related to Beneficence

The duty to do good, not harm to others

The quality of charity or kindness; a charitable act or gift. This term is often used by doctors in the phrase "principle of beneficence" when a treatment is weighed in terms of its beneficial outcome versus its burdensome effects.

The state or act of intentionally doing or producing good. The principal of beneficence involves duties to prevent harm, remove harm, and promote the good of another person. The obligation of health care professionals to seek the well-being or benefit of other patients. Duties of beneficence concern the welfare of others.

One of five principles of ethical behavior that guide the construction and development of the CRCC Code of Ethics. It refers to that aspect of the “spirit of caring and respect” that requires rehabilitation counselors to always “do good to others” (preamble of the CRC Code of Ethics)

attitude of good will to other persons

An ethical principle that requires an obligation to protect research subjects from harm. The principle of beneficence can be expressed in two general rules: (1) do not harm; and (2) protect from harm by maximizing possible benefits and minimizing possible risks of harm.

The provision of benefits and the balancing of harms and benefits for the purpose of doing the most good.

An ethical principle discussed in the Belmont Report that entails an obligation to protect persons from harm. The principle of beneficence can be expressed in two general rules: (1) do no harm; and (2) protect from harm by maximizing anticipated benefits and minimizing possible risks of harm.

Mercy, kindness, or charity to others. It is the principle that one has a duty to convey benefits or to help others further their importance and legitimate interests.

An ethical principle which, when applied to managed care, states that each member should be treated in a manner that respects his or her own goals and values and that managed care organizations and their providers have a duty to promote the good of the members as a group.

Beneficence: The act of doing good; helping others.