Module 9 - The Doctrine of Double Effect

Question 1

The Doctrine of Double Effect (DDE)

Answer 1

Set of conditions to natural law theory that give the circumstances in which lethal self-defense is right. It involves the preservation of human life (good effect) and the termination of human life (bad effect)
All 4 conditions must be met.
DDE originated in Thomas Aquinas’ justification of lethal self-defense and the conditions were generalized by Jean-Pierre Gury (19th cent, French)

Question 2

Conditions of DDE

Answer 2

1. the preservation of human life is intended (good effect)
2. The termination of human life is foreseen, but not intended (bad effect)
3. The preservation and termination of human life will occur simultaneously
4. The termination of human life is the only way to achieve the preservation of human life (often very controversial) (proportionality apparently)

Question 3

applications of DDE

Answer 3

just war, hospice, palliative care, life-saving abortion, death penalty (all of these are variations of self-defense)

Question 4

Jean-Pierre Gury

Answer 4

generalized the four conditions now known as the DDE

Question 5

Thomas Aquinas

Answer 5

Explained why lethal self-defense is compatible with Natural Law Theory

Question 6

Phillipa Foot

Answer 6

Criticized the DDE through the Trolley Problem