Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which principle best describes using limited societal financial resources to benefit the largest number of people?

1. Utilitarian principle

2. Deontological principle

3. Principle of beneficence

4. Principle of nonmaleficence

The correct answer is: Deontological principle

In this context, the principle that best describes the use of limited societal financial resources to benefit the largest number of people is the utilitarian principle. This ethical theory suggests that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. When applying this principle, resources would be allocated to achieve the maximum overall benefit for the society, focusing on outcomes that provide the most good for the most people. In contrast, the deontological principle emphasizes adherence to rules or duties regardless of the outcome. While it values individual rights and moral rules, it does not specifically prioritize allocating resources based on the benefits to the majority. The principle of beneficence refers to the moral obligation to act for the benefit of others, promoting good and preventing harm. Though it aligns with helping individuals, it doesn't inherently include the aspect of maximizing benefit across society as a whole. The principle of nonmaleficence is defined as the obligation to not inflict harm intentionally. Like beneficence, it focuses more on individual actions and ethical obligations rather than broader resource allocation strategies aimed at maximizing societal benefit. Thus, the correct answer highlights the core concept of utilizing resources to achieve the highest aggregate benefit for the community, embodying the essence of the utilitarian approach