beneficence
beh-NEF-ih-sens
/bəˈnɛfɪsəns/
The quality of doing good; in ethics, the obligation of healthcare providers to act in the best interest of the patient.
Beneficence is an active duty—it requires taking positive steps to help others, not just avoiding harm.
The story behind the word. The word flows from the Latin 'beneficentia,' which was used by Cicero to describe the virtue of kindness. It entered English in the 17th century to describe charitable acts.
Word relationships
- altruism: Altruism is a general selfless concern for others; beneficence is a specific professional obligation to act for a patient's benefit.
- maleficence: Maleficence is the act of doing harm or evil.
Commonly confused with
- benevolence: Benevolence is a character trait (kindness); beneficence is the action or practice of doing good.
Word family
- beneficent (adjective): Resulting in good; generous or doing good.
Collocations
- duty of beneficence
- principle of beneficence
- act of beneficence
Example sentences
- "The principle of beneficence requires the doctor to weigh the benefits of a surgery against its potential risks." The duty of a physician.
- "Persons are treated in an ethical manner not only by respecting their decisions and protecting them from harm, but also by making efforts to secure their well-being. Such treatment falls under the principle of beneficence." Ethical guidelines for research. (The Belmont Report (1979))
Memory hook
Think of a 'Benefit' (something good) being 'Sent' (done). Doing good.
When not to use
Don't confuse it with 'benevolence,' which is the desire to do good; beneficence is the act of doing it.
Fun facts
- In the Middle Ages, beneficence was often associated specifically with the charity of the Church toward the poor.
Related words
Explore more words
benevolent, altruistic, altruism, supererogatory, philanthropic
Also appears in
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