Principle-Based Ethics (also known as Ethic, Principle-Based, Ethics, Principle-Based): An approach to ethics that focuses on theories of the importance of general principles such as respect for autonomy, beneficence/nonmaleficence, and justice.

NIH MeSH · D028662Humanities

Principle-Based Ethics

Also known asEthic, Principle-Based · Ethics, Principle-Based · Principle-Based Ethic · Principle Based Ethics · Principlism

Definition

An approach to ethics that focuses on theories of the importance of general principles such as respect for autonomy, beneficence/nonmaleficence, and justice.

MeSH classification

  • K01.752.566.479.830
  • N05.350.958

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Common questions about Principle-Based Ethics

What does Principle-Based Ethics mean in medicine?
An approach to ethics that focuses on theories of the importance of general principles such as respect for autonomy, beneficence/nonmaleficence, and justice. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Principle-Based Ethics known by any other names?
Yes. Principle-Based Ethics is also referred to as Ethic, Principle-Based, Ethics, Principle-Based, Principle-Based Ethic, Principle Based Ethics in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Principle-Based Ethics sit in the medical classification?
Principle-Based Ethics falls under the broader medical category "Humanities" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: K01.752.566.479.830, N05.350.958). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Principle-Based Ethics?
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Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D028662) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗