What principle refers to minimizing harms while maximizing benefits?

The principle that refers to minimizing harms while maximizing benefits is beneficence. In ethical research and practice, beneficence underscores the importance of conducting activities that contribute positively to the well-being of individuals and society. It encourages researchers and practitioners to take actions that are in the best interest of the participants, ensuring that their welfare is prioritized and protected throughout any study or intervention.

This principle is foundational in both research ethics and medical ethics, emphasizing that the potential benefits of an intervention or research study should always outweigh the potential risks or harms to participants. By adhering to this principle, researchers and practitioners strive to create a balance that promotes positive outcomes while safeguarding against negative effects.

In contrast, justice relates more specifically to fairness and equity in the distribution of benefits and burdens in research. Respect for persons emphasizes the autonomy and dignity of individuals, ensuring they are treated with respect and that their informed consent is obtained. Informed consent focuses on providing participants with comprehensive information to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their participation in research. Beneficence is more specifically about actively working to achieve positive outcomes, making it the correct choice in this context.