The duty to act in ways that benefit others is known as what?

• A. Nonmaleficence
• B. Caring
• C. Beneficence
• D. Ethics

Answer: (C)

Beneficence is the principle that requires you to act in ways that promote the welfare and well-being of others. It involves actively helping, supporting, and providing beneficial actions for patients, weighing benefits and risks to improve health and happiness whenever possible. This goes beyond simply not causing harm; it’s about taking steps that positively benefit the person.

Nonmaleficence, in contrast, is about not causing harm or injury. Ethics is the broader study of moral principles that guide right and wrong, not a specific duty to do good. Caring describes a compassionate attitude or relationship, but it isn’t the formal term for the obligation to act for others’ benefit. So the duty to act in ways that benefit others is beneficence.