What Is the Doctrine of Double Effect? Describe a Case

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Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is The Doctrine of Double Effect is a principle in ethics that states that an action that has both a good and bad effect may be permissible if the bad effect is not the means by which the good effect is achieved, the intention is to bring about the good effect, and the good effect outweighs the bad effect.

One case in which the Doctrine of Double Effect could be used as a source of moral guidance is in the context of medical treatment. For example, consider a situation in which a pregnant woman has a life-threatening condition that requires treatment that may harm the fetus. In this case, the doctrine could be used to argue that it is morally permissible to proceed with the treatment, even if it may result in harm to the fetus, as long as the intention is to save the mother's life and the harm to the fetus is not the means by which the mother's life is saved.

Whether the Doctrine of Double Effect gives good advice in this case and in general is a matter of debate. Some argue that it provides a useful framework for making difficult moral decisions in situations where there are conflicting moral principles at play. Others argue that it can be misused to justify actions that are morally questionable, or that it does not adequately account for the complexities of moral decision-making.

Ultimately, the application of the Doctrine of Double Effect requires careful consideration of the specific circumstances and the moral principles at stake. It is important to weigh the potential consequences of actions and consider alternative courses of action before relying on the doctrine as a source of moral guidance.

What Is the Doctrine of Double Effect? Describe a Case

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