> Non-maleficence, which is derived from the maxim, is one of the principal precepts of bioethics that all students in healthcare are taught in school and is a fundamental principle throughout the world.
I mean, yes, in some cases not doing anything is the right call, but that is a much weaker statement than "first, do no harm".
This is the first thought that goes through every good MD's mind. "A good surgeon knows when not to operate."
That is very different from "first, do no harm". That is a cost-benefit calculation that many of us are familiar with in our own professions.
"First, do no harm" just encodes status quo bias.
I think I understand what you mean. In med ethics you weigh: autonomy, justice, nonmaleficence (do no harm) and beneficence (do good). You're right, no harm is not blindly followed, but it is relevant to bring it up in this discussion.
Right, exactly.
I'm obviously biased but I think the same general principles should be disseminated widely to software engineering/programmers.
That's cost/benefit analysis, not adherence to a maxim.