Professional Responsibility State Practice Exam

Which ethical principle is represented by the idea of doing good?

1. Justice

2. Beneficence

3. Autonomy

4. Kotahitanga

The correct answer is: Beneficence

The ethical principle represented by the idea of doing good is beneficence. This principle emphasizes the obligation to act for the benefit of others, promoting their well-being and ensuring positive outcomes. In professional contexts, especially in fields like law and healthcare, beneficence involves taking proactive steps to help clients, patients, or the community at large, thereby aligning actions with this commitment to doing good. In contrast, justice pertains to fairness and the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, which is an important consideration but does not directly reflect the concept of doing good. Autonomy focuses on respecting individuals' rights to make their own choices, emphasizing the importance of personal freedom and self-determination rather than directly promoting good outcomes. Kotahitanga, while representing unity and togetherness in Māori culture, does not specifically address the ethical principle of doing good in the way that beneficence does. Thus, beneficence is the most fitting principle that encapsulates the idea of actively pursuing good for others.