Double Effect Principle
Synonyms
Doctrine of Double Effect
Doctrine, Double Effect
Double Effect Doctrine
Double Effect Rule
Effect Doctrine, Double
Effect Principle, Double
Effect Rule, Double
Principle of Double Effect
Principle, Double Effect
Principles, Double Effect
Rule of Double Effect
Rule, Double Effect
Guideline for determining when it is morally permissible to perform an action to pursue a good end with knowledge that the action will also bring about bad results. It generally states that, in cases where a contemplated action has such double effect, the action is permissible only if: it is not wrong in itself; the bad result is not intended; the good result is not a direct causal result of the bad result; and the good result is "proportionate to" the bad result. (from Solomon, "Double Effect," in Becker, The Encyclopedia of Ethics, 1992)
See Also