James Childress is an American philosopher known for his work in bioethics and moral philosophy. He is a professor at the University of Virginia and has contributed significantly to discussions on medical ethics, particularly in relation to healthcare and public policy. Childress is best known for co-authoring the influential book "Principles of Biomedical Ethics" with Tom Beauchamp. This work outlines key ethical principles that guide decision-making in healthcare, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. His ideas have shaped the field of bioethics and continue to influence ethical practices in medicine today.