Principles

Question 1

Principles of double effect

Answer 1

An good action from which two effects will follow, one bad, and the other good.

Question 2

1st condition of the principle of double effect

Answer 2

The intended act must be good in itself. The intended act may not be morally evil.

Question 3

2nd condition of the principle of double effect

Answer 3

The agent must have the right intention, that is, he or she must desire the good effect and not the evil one.

Question 4

3rd condition of the principle of double effect

Answer 4

Good effect must immediately be produced directly by the action or at least stimulated either the bad effect.

The first effect must be good or at least equal to the evil effect

The good effect must not result from the bad effect

Question 5

4th condition of the principle of double effect

Answer 5

There must be proportionately grave reason to justify the evil effect.

Question 6

Principle of necessity

Answer 6

Acts that have morally negative effects are permissible only when truly necessary.

I.e. when there are no other means by which the good may be obtained.