Double Effect Flashcards
Why do some critics argue that Aquinas’ natural law ethics is outdated?
They argue it was a reaction to his socio-economic context and is no longer relevant in today’s changed context.
How do critics view Aquinas’ discovery of the primary precepts?
Critics believe Aquinas was intuiting what was good for his socio-economic condition, not discovering principles from God.
What is a strength and weakness of religion in terms of social organization according to the critique?
Strength: Strong motivation to follow ethical precepts. Weakness: Inflexibility and difficulty in progressing as these precepts are imagined to come from an eternal being.
What is the principle of double effect in Aquinas’ theory?
A single action can have two effects: one good and one bad. The action is justified if the good effect is intended and the bad effect is unintended.
What example did Aquinas use to illustrate the double effect?
Killing in self-defense: the intended effect is saving one’s own life, while the unintended effect is killing the attacker.
What are the four conditions for an action to be justified by the double effect in modern Catholicism?
- Intentionality condition
- Proportionality condition
- Means-end condition
- Nature of the act condition
Describe the intentionality condition in the double effect.
The good effect must be intended and the bad effect must be “besides the intention.”
What is the proportionality condition in the double effect?
The good effect must be at least equivalent to the bad effect, and the use of force must be proportional.
What is the means-end condition in the double effect?
The good and bad effects must be brought about simultaneously, not using a bad effect to bring about a good effect.
What does the nature of the act condition state in the double effect?
The action must be morally good, indifferent, or neutral; intrinsically evil acts are not justifiable.
How does the double effect relate to biblical themes according to its defenders?
It aligns with the importance of moral intention and virtue in Christian ethics.
Why do some theologians consider the double effect unbiblical?
They believe God’s commandments are absolute and not dependent on intention, making the distinction between intended and unintended effects irrelevant.
What is John Paul II’s argument against proportionalism?
He argues that proportionalism misunderstands the objective/intention required for ethical action and misdirects from following primary precepts designed by God.
How do proportionalists like B. Hoose view the conditions of the double effect?
They argue only the proportionality condition is valid, focusing on the overall balance of good over bad effects.
What is an example where proportionalism and traditional natural law conflict?
Proportionalism might justify killing a baby to save a family, whereas traditional natural law considers it morally evil.
