What ethical principle relates to the obligation to treat individuals as capable of self-determination?

The ethical principle that relates to the obligation to treat individuals as capable of self-determination is autonomy. This principle emphasizes the right of individuals to make choices about their own lives and the importance of respecting those choices.

Autonomy is grounded in the belief that individuals are competent agents who should have the freedom to make decisions based on their values, beliefs, and preferences. This includes the idea that people should be provided with the necessary information and options to make informed choices about their involvement in research, treatment, or any situation affecting their lives.

In contexts where autonomy is prioritized, individuals are not only allowed to express their preferences but are also supported in exercising their rights without coercion or undue influence. This principle is essential in ethical discussions across healthcare, research, and social interactions, as it ensures respect for personal dignity and integrity.

The other concepts, such as beneficence, justice, and accountability, contribute to ethical practice but do not specifically address the capacity for self-determination in the same way that autonomy does. Beneficence pertains to contributing to the well-being of others, justice focuses on fairness and equality, and accountability relates to responsibility for actions and decisions. None of these principles directly encapsulate the core notion of individual self-determ