Single Idea 22386

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

Full Idea

The doctrine of double effect offers us a way out [of the trolley problem], insisting that it is one thing to steer towards someone foreseeing that you will kill him, and another to aim at his death as part of your plan.

Gist of Idea

Double effect says foreseeing you will kill someone is not the same as intending it

Source

Philippa Foot (Abortion and the Doctrine of Double Effect [1967], p.23)

Book Reference

Foot,Philippa: 'Virtues and Vices' [Blackwell 1981], p.23


A Reaction

[She has just created her famous Trolley Problem]. Utilitarians must constantly rely on the doctrine of double effect, as they calculate their trade-offs.

Related Idea

Idea 22385 The doctrine of double effect can excuse an outcome because it wasn't directly intended [Foot]