Item 5 in Truth By Reason Master Ethical Code

Respect Autonomy, Consent and Bodily Integrity

Do not use another person's body, labour, sexuality, information or dependency without meaningful consent or legitimate justification.

Position
5
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Everyone
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Respect Autonomy, Consent and Bodily Integrity

Source wording

<p>Do not use another person's body, labour, sexuality, information or dependency without meaningful consent or legitimate justification.</p>

Translation

Literal meaning

Do not use another person's body, labour, sexuality, information or dependency without meaningful consent or legitimate justification.

Broader interpretation

Consent must be informed, voluntary, competent and capable of being withdrawn.

Practical meaning

Do not use another person's body, labour, sexuality, information or dependency without meaningful consent or legitimate justification.

Ethical purpose

Consent must be informed, voluntary, competent and capable of being withdrawn.

Modern application

Apply this principle to personal conduct, organisations and public policy, with particular attention to people and beings who carry the greatest risks while holding the least power.

Criticism and difficult cases

This principle may conflict with other duties. It should therefore be applied with evidence, proportionality, role reversal, attention to power and review of foreseeable consequences.

Truth By Reason analysis

Consent must be informed, voluntary, competent and capable of being withdrawn.

Sources