Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Mean
2
1.5
1
Upper SES
Lower SES
0.5
0
Number of people
Figure
8.3
Conceptual model for selecting a “fair” option from a utilitarian perspective when the benefits are skewed in favor
of the higher socioeconomic strata.
Discussion
Box:
Harm
and
the
Hippocratic
Oath
The Hippocratic oath for physicians is an example of a precautionary principle, when it states
“First do no harm .” The traditional text of Hippocrates of Cos (c. 460-377 BC) is:
I swear by Apollo the physician, by Æsculapius, Hygeia, and Panacea, and I take to witness all the
gods, all the goddesses, to keep according to my ability and my judgment, the following Oath.
To consider dear to me as my parents him who taught me this art; to live in common with him and if
necessary to share my goods with him; to look upon his children as my own brothers, to teach them
this art if they so desire without fee or written promise; to impart to my sons and the sons of the
master who taught me and the disciples who have enrolled themselves and have agreed to the rules
of the profession, but to these alone the precepts and the instruction. I will prescribe regimens for
the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone. To
please no one will I prescribe a deadly drug nor give advice which may cause his death. Nor will I
give a woman a pessary to procure abortion. But I will preserve the purity of my life and my art. I
will not cut for stone, even for patients in whom the disease is manifest; I will leave this operation
to be performed by practitioners, specialists in this art. In every house where I come I will enter only
for the good of my patients, keeping myself far from all intentional ill-doing and all seduction and
especially from the pleasures of love with women or with men, be they free or slaves. All that may
come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession or in daily commerce with men, which ought
not to be spread abroad, I will keep secret and will never reveal. If I keep this oath faithfully, may
