The Doctrine of Double Effect: Ethical Analysis and Implications

McIntyre A

The Doctrine of Double Effect: Ethical Analysis and Implications

McIntyre A

Abstract

The doctrine (or principle) of double effect is often invoked to explain the permissibility of an action that causes a serious harm, such as the death of a human being, as a side effect of promoting some good end. According to the principle of double effect, sometimes it is permissible to cause a harm as a side effect (or “double effect”) of bringing about a good result even though it would not be permissible to cause such a harm as a means to bringing about the same good end.

Topics

Ethics/Philosophy > Moral Principles > Doctrine of Double Effect Ethics/Philosophy > Bioethics > Ethical Analysis

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Cite this article

McIntyre, A. (2023). *The Doctrine of Double Effect: Ethical Analysis and Implications*.