Principles and Nursing Ethics

When engaging in the academic study of ethics, it may quickly become evident that there is a wide range of theoretical resources available that can be drawn from for the purpose of ethical reflection. Included in this range of resources are ethical theories and other frameworks. This chapter examines one seminal resource for nursing, namely, the four principles as articulated by Beauchamp and Childress. First, the chapter presents a brief overview of the consequentialist, deontological, and character-based ethical positions that form the backdrop to the four principles. Second, the principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, respect for autonomy, and justice are succinctly presented. Third, a hypothetical case study is then examined in the context of the four principles framework. Finally, reference is made to the Irish Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, and its possible impact on the obligatory standing of the four principles for ethical decision-making.