The Hippocratic principle “to help or at least to do no harm” - 20/07/24
Highlights |
• | The Hippocratic medical doctrine was grounded on three interacting elements of the “art” of medicine: the disease, the patient, the physician, |
• | At the core of the physician-patient relationship lies the principle “to help, or at least to do no harm,” encapsulating the contemporary ethical principles of “beneficence” and “non-maleficence,” |
• | This principle reminds physicians that they should act solely for the benefit of their patient and should take care not to harm, |
• | Physicians should first assess the risks of potential harm associated with any attempt to heal. |
Abstract |
Hippocrates’ teaching on the ethical and moral values of medicine have captivated physicians, scholars, and historians for over twenty-five centuries, enduring despite the challenges of applying moral guidance across diverse cultures. At the core of Hippocratic ethics is the human relationship between the physician and the patient, with an emphasis on the physician’s responsibility to assess potential harm involved in any attempt to heal. The Hippocratic principle “to help, or at least to do no harm” remains as relevant today as it was 2,500 years ago. In the modern context, it serves as a deontological imperative, reminding physicians to evaluate the risks of harm associated with any healing attempt. This concept aligns with the ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, which are at the heart of Hippocratic medical ethics with timeless significance.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Hippocrates, Oath, Ancient medicine, Benefit, Harm, Injustice, Medical ethics
Plan
Vol 31 - N° 3
P. 174-180 - août 2024 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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