Doctrine of double Effect Flashcards
1
Q
What is the Doctrine of Double Effect (DDE)?
A
- States that an action with both good and bad effects can be morally permissible if certain conditions are met.
2
Q
What are the four key conditions of DDE?
A
- The nature of the act: The act itself must be morally good or neutral (not intrinsically evil).
- The intention: The intention must only be to achieve the good effect. The bad effect must not be intended, even if it is foreseen.
- Means-end condition: The bad effect cannot be the means to achieving the good effect.
- Proportionality: The good effect must outweigh the bad effect.
3
Q
Examples of DDE in practice
A
- Self-defense: Killing an attacker can be justified if the intention is to protect oneself (good effect), not to kill the attacker (bad effect).
- Medical ethics: A doctor administering high doses of painkillers to relieve suffering, even if it unintentionally hastens the patient’s death.
4
Q
What are the Strengths of DDE?
A
- Recognizes complexity: Accounts for situations where harm is unavoidable.
- Focuses on intention: Maintains moral integrity by emphasizing good intentions.
5
Q
What are the Weaknesses of DDE?
A
- Ambiguity in intention: Difficult to prove if the bad effect was truly unintended.
- Proportionality challenges: How do we objectively measure if the good outweighs the bad?
- Potential for misuse: Could justify harmful actions by claiming good intentions.
6
Q
What are some Scholar views on DDE?
A
Aquinas: The principle stems from his writings in Summa Theologica, particularly in cases of self-defense.
Critics: Some argue it allows moral evasion by separating intention from foreseeable consequences.
7
Q
Final judgment of DDE
A
The Doctrine of Double Effect tries to balance good intentions with tough realities, but it risks justifying harm in the name of morality. Intentions don’t always excuse the damage done.
