Which ethical principle is defined by respecting an individual's thoughts and actions?

The ethical principle of autonomy is defined by respecting an individual's thoughts and actions, which includes honoring their right to make decisions about their own life and medical care. Autonomy emphasizes the importance of personal agency, allowing individuals to express their values, preferences, and choices. In a medical context, this means that patients should be fully informed about their options and be allowed to participate in their own care decisions without coercion or undue influence.

This principle is foundational in healthcare, ensuring that the patient's own preferences guide treatment plans. By supporting autonomy, healthcare providers promote dignity and respect for each individual's uniqueness, ultimately fostering trust in the patient-provider relationship.

While beneficence emphasizes the duty to promote good and act in the best interest of patients, and nonmaleficence focuses on the obligation to do no harm, these principles do not specifically highlight individual decision-making and respect for personal beliefs as autonomy does. Similarly, veracity refers to truthfulness and the obligation to provide accurate and honest information, which is essential, but it does not encapsulate the broader concept of respecting an individual's thoughts and actions as autonomy does.