In the law of bioethics, intention has often been discussed in the context of the principle of double effect. Double effect the principle that says it is morally allowable to perform an act that has at least two effects, one good and one bad. Double effect can produce an unexpected moral result. Principle of double effect definition of principle of. A brief explanation of the four criteria of the famous catholic doctrine of double effect originally created by st. The doctrine of double effect this doctrine says that if doing something morally good has a morally bad sideeffect its ethically ok to do it providing the bad sideeffect wasnt intended. The principle of double effect saint marys college. The evil effect must not be desired in itself but only permitted, if there is no other choice. A distinction between means and effects must be envisioned, in that death. Despite the effectiveness of precision weapons, civilians are often hurt and killed. Choose from 500 different sets of principle of double effect flashcards on quizlet. If you do think that a quicker death is better than a slower one then the doctrine of double effect shows that a doctor who intended to kill.
This doctrine says that if doing something morally good has a morally bad sideeffect, its ethically ok to do it providing the bad sideeffect wasnt intended. Thomas aquinas and how it can be applied to the trolley problem and the fat. Principle of double effect flashcards and study sets quizlet. This principle aims to provide specific guidelines for determining when it is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge. The principle of double effect in the churchs moral tradition teaches that one may perform a good action even if it is foreseen that a bad effect. The principle of double effect permits the loss of the unborn as an indirect result of the direct act of saving the mothers life. Conditions of the principle of double effect the goal of the surgery itself must be good or at least morally neutral.
Learn principle of double effect with free interactive flashcards. Thomas did not use the term double effect or refer to the principle, he used the concept in justifying killing in selfdefense. The principle of double effect also known as the rule of double effect. Clarifying double effect george weigel first things.
Four basic components of the principle of double effect the nature of the act must be good or morally neutral and not in a category. The principle of double effect and proportionate reason journal of. Doctrine of double effect stanford encyclopedia of philosophy. The doctrine of double effect is sometimes put forward as a defence, but it does not always apply. The doctrine of double effect says that performing a good action may be permissible even if it has bad effects, but performing a bad action for the purpose of achieving good effects is never permissible. Consideration in double effect in which the benefit is equal to its harmful effects or if possible, beneficial is greater than the harmful effects. The good effect must not come about as a result of the evil effect. The intent of the healthcare provider must be good, and while the good effect and not.
The proponent of the principle of double effect is certainly correct in pointing out the linguistic fallacy in describing the person, in the above example, who does not give in to the blackmailers demands as a. For example, if an army base in the middle of a city is bombed and a few civilians living nearby are killed as well. Doctrine of double effect stanford encyclopedia of. Suppose that you know that an action has two consequences. That is the business of the principle of double effect.
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