What ethical principle included in the Hippocratic Oath emphasizes doing no harm to patients?

The correct answer is the principle of non-maleficence. This ethical principle is fundamental in the medical field and specifically highlights the imperative to "do no harm" to patients. Non-maleficence requires healthcare providers to refrain from actions that are likely to cause harm, whether through direct treatment or negligence. This principle underlines the importance of safeguarding the well-being of patients and ensuring that medical interventions do not lead to unnecessary suffering or injury.

In contrast, autonomy focuses on respecting patients' rights to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. Beneficence is concerned with the obligation to act in the best interest of the patient, promoting their well-being. Justice relates to fairness in medical treatment and the equitable distribution of healthcare resources. While all these principles are crucial in ethical medical practice, non-maleficence specifically encapsulates the essential commitment to avoiding harm.