INTRODUCTIONMunyaradzi (2012) critically explores the deep weaknesses of beneficence and some points where it becomes a principle under scrutiny. He begins by criticizing ethicists for not exploring the depth of the principle of beneficence in several fields, notably in biomedicine. Additionally, it provides the layman with an introduction to the principle and how it is used by various health practitioners around the world, while discussing the history of the idea. He then highlights many cases where it becomes very problematic for doctors to decide the issue. The author places particular emphasis on practicality in his writings with the help of certain case studies. Next, Munyaradzi offers strategies and ideas with which this principle can be transmitted in a better sense to humanity. KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER The author asserts that although the physician respects the dignity of oaths in preventing or ending any harm to the patient, it is important to evaluate the possible benefits and harms of any treatment. Therefore, it is essential to discuss the principle of beneficence under two subheadings, positive beneficence and the utilitarian principle (Beauchamp, 1989, p. 195). The author discusses a situation in which the doctor fails to disclose the nature of a significant health problem that may endanger several members of the patient's family and puts the doctor at odds with them. The problem is also discussed by Sutrop (2011) who shows how protecting patient confidentiality and capacity for self-decision has actually caused serious obstacles to the field of scientific development and research. In the next section, Munyaradzi is seen further confusing the issue by discussing again...... middle of paper...... In: Thomasma D, Kushner T, Eds. From birth to death: science and bioethics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Macklin R. (2003). Application of the four principles, Journal of Medical Ethics; 29: p.275-280 doi:10.1136/jme.29.5.275.extracted from http://jme.bmj.com/content/29/5/275.fullMunyaradzi Mawere, (2012), Critical reflections on the principle of charity in biomedicine. The Pan African Medical Journal, 11 (29). Accessed 14/3/2014 at http://www.panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/11/29/fullSinger P. (1979), Rich and Poor, Practical Ethics (2nd edition, p. 218 ). -46), Cambridge University Press. Sutrop M. (2011) How to avoid a dichotomy between autonomy and beneficence: from liberalism to communitarianism and beyond. Journal of Internal Medicine. 269(4):375-79. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jim.2011.269.issue-4/issuetoc