What does the principle of respect for persons entail?

The principle of respect for persons is foundational in ethical research involving human subjects. It involves recognizing the autonomy of individuals, which means acknowledging their right to make informed decisions about their participation in research. This principle emphasizes that individuals should be treated as autonomous agents capable of making their own choices. Additionally, it encompasses the obligation to protect those with diminished autonomy, such as children or people with cognitive impairments, ensuring that their rights and welfare are safeguarded.

This dual focus is crucial because while most adults can typically make informed decisions about their participation, some individuals may require additional protections due to their incapacity to fully understand or engage with the consent process. Therefore, acknowledging these aspects is intrinsic to the ethical treatment of research participants.

The other principles focus on different aspects of research ethics. Informed consent is certainly a critical component of respect for persons, but it is only one part of a broader commitment to recognizing autonomy. Promoting equitable treatment addresses fairness and justice in participant selection, while maximizing benefits and minimizing harms pertains to the balance of risks and benefits in research. However, the essence of respect for persons is primarily about honoring individual autonomy and providing protections where necessary.