the belmont report’s principle of respect for persons incorporates at least two ethical convictions:
1. individuals should be treated as autonomous agents.
an autonomous person is an individual capable of deliberation about personal goals and of acting under the direction of such deliberation to respect autonomy is to give weight to autonomous persons' considered opinions and choices while refraining from obstructing their actions unless they are clearly detrimental to others.
2. persons with diminished autonomy are entitled to protection.
the capacity for self-determination matures during the life of an individual and may be lost, wholly or in part, because of illness, mental disability, or circumstances that severely restrict liberty. some persons are in need of extensive protection; for others, it is only necessary to ensure that they undertake activities freely and with awareness of possible adverse consequences. the extent of protection afforded should depend upon the risk of harm and the likelihood of benefit.