Single Idea 22385

[catalogued under 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 5. Action Dilemmas / b. Double Effect]

Full Idea

Supporters of double effect say that sometimes it makes a difference to the permissibility of an action involving harm to others that this harm, although foreseen, is not part of the agent's intention.

Gist of Idea

The doctrine of double effect can excuse an outcome because it wasn't directly intended

Source

Philippa Foot (Abortion and the Doctrine of Double Effect [1967], p.22)

Book Reference

Foot,Philippa: 'Virtues and Vices' [Blackwell 1981], p.22


A Reaction

The obvious major case is the direction of wartime bombing raids. Controversial, because how can someone foresee a side effect and yet claim to have no intention to cause it? Isn't it wickedly self-deluding?

Related Idea

Idea 22384 A 'double effect' is a foreseen but not desired side-effect, which may be forgivable [Foot]