The double effect Flashcards
What principle does Aquinas propose regarding actions with two effects, one in accordance with the primary precepts and one in violation of them?
Aquinas proposes the principle of double effect, where such actions can be justified if the good effect is intended while the bad effect is “beside the intention.”
How does Aquinas illustrate the principle of double effect?
Aquinas illustrates the principle with the example of killing in self-defense. While killing someone violates the primary precept of preserving human life, it can be justified if it is a secondary effect beside the intention of saving one’s own life, which is in accordance with the primary precepts.
What are the four generally accepted conditions in modern Catholicism for an action to be justified by the double effect?
- Intentionality condition
- Proportionality condition
- Means-end condition
- Nature of the act condition
What is the Intentionality condition in the principle of double effect according to Aquinas?
The Intentionality condition states that the agent must intend the good effect of an action while the bad effect must be merely foreseen or tolerated, not directly intended. For example, in self-defense, the intention is to preserve one’s own life, while the killing of the attacker is not the primary intention but an unfortunate consequence.
What does the Proportionality condition entail in the principle of double effect?
The Proportionality condition requires that the benefits of an action outweigh the harms. In self-defense, for instance, the preservation of one’s own life must be deemed equivalent or superior to the taking of another life.
Describe the Means-end condition in the principle of double effect.
According to Aquinas, both the good and bad effects must be brought about immediately and directly by the action itself. If the bad effect is used as a means to achieve the good effect, then the action is morally unacceptable.
What is the Nature of the act condition in the principle of double effect?
The Nature of the act condition stipulates that the action itself must be morally good, indifferent, or neutral. Actions that are intrinsically evil, such as lying or killing innocent persons, cannot be justified even if they have good consequences.
