Actions, Intentions and Consequences: the Doctrine of Double Effect

One-Sentence Thesis

The Doctrine of Double Effect (DDE) is an anticonsequentialist principle that discriminates between morally problematic agency based on the intention behind an action, favoring actions where harm is merely foreseen over those where harm is intended as a means.

Argument Outline

1. 1Introduction to the DDE and its significance in moral theory
2. 2Presentation of the DDE's conditions for morally permissible agency
3. 3Discussion of the principle's controversial idea that the pursuit of a good is less acceptable when harm is intended as a means
4. 4Examination of two major problems with the DDE: formulation and rationale
5. 5Analysis of pairs of cases that illustrate the DDE's distinction, including the Strategic Bomber, Terror Bomber, Direction of Resources, Guinea Pig, Craniotomy, and Hysterectomy cases

Key Distinctions

Key Terms