Principles of Biomedical Ethics, 9e

The classic work that has shaped the field of biomedical ethics, fully updated to include cutting-edge approaches and research. Principles of Biomedical Ethics provides a highly original, insightful, and practical guide to morality in the health professions, health policy, and public health. Acclaimed authors Tom L. Beauchamp and James F. Childress thoroughly develop and advocate for four principles that lie at the core of moral reasoning in health care: respect for autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice. Drawing from contemporary research - and integrating detailed case studies and vivid real-life examples and scenarios - they demonstrate how these prima facie principles can be used to address various conflicts and dilemmas, from how to deliver bad news to the decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatments.
Ideal for courses in biomedical ethics, bioethics, and health care ethics, the text is enhanced by hundreds of annotated citations, along with key terms and concepts. It is accompanied by additional online resources for instructors.

Tom L. Beauchamp (d. 2025) was Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Senior Research Scholar Emeritus, Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University. He took graduate degrees from Yale University and Johns Hopkins University, where he received his PhD in 1970.

James F. Childress is Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia, where he was the John Allen Hollingsworth Professor of Ethics, Professor of Religious Studies, Professor of Public Policy, and Professor of Research in Medical Education in the School of Medicine.