Which statement reflects the harm principle in the maxims?

Which statement reflects the harm principle in the maxims?

• A. Respect for Autonomy > beneficence and nonmaleficence
• B. The interests of others may > respect for autonomy (harm principle)
• C. If the harm = benefits, then nonmaleficence > beneficence
• D. All of the above

Answer: (B)

The harm principle is about restricting a person’s freedom when their choices could harm others, allowing interventions to prevent that harm even if it limits autonomy. The statement that the interests of others may override respect for autonomy to prevent harm captures this idea directly: it recognizes that protecting others from potential harm can justify curbing an individual's independent decisions. The other ideas don’t fit this principle. Elevating autonomy above beneficence and nonmaleficence suggests never prioritizing prevention of harm to others, which contradicts the harm-based justification for limiting liberty. A conditional claim about when harm equals benefit and prioritizing nonmaleficence over beneficence addresses balancing principles rather than the core concept of overriding autonomy to prevent harm to others. Therefore, only the statement about others’ interests justifying a limit on autonomy aligns with the harm principle.

The harm principle is about restricting a person’s freedom when their choices could harm others, allowing interventions to prevent that harm even if it limits autonomy. The statement that the interests of others may override respect for autonomy to prevent harm captures this idea directly: it recognizes that protecting others from potential harm can justify curbing an individual's independent decisions.

The other ideas don’t fit this principle. Elevating autonomy above beneficence and nonmaleficence suggests never prioritizing prevention of harm to others, which contradicts the harm-based justification for limiting liberty. A conditional claim about when harm equals benefit and prioritizing nonmaleficence over beneficence addresses balancing principles rather than the core concept of overriding autonomy to prevent harm to others. Therefore, only the statement about others’ interests justifying a limit on autonomy aligns with the harm principle.