Ideas from 'Among the Dead Cities' by A.C. Grayling [2006], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Among the Dead Cities' by Grayling,A.C. [Bloomsbury 2006,0-7475-7671-8]].

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20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 5. Action Dilemmas / b. Double Effect

7293	It is legitimate to do harm if it is the unintended side-effect of an effort to achieve a good

			Full Idea: The doctrine of double effect says that it is legitimate to do harm if the harm is the unintended side-effect of an effort to achieve a legitimate goal.
			From: A.C. Grayling (Among the Dead Cities [2006], Ch.6)
			A reaction: I think a key principle of morality is our duty to think about possible unnoticed consequences of our actions. To neglect concern for side-effects is wicked. Beyond that, the issue must concern the particulars of the situation.

25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 1. War / a. Just wars

7292	War must also have a good chance of success, and be waged with moderation

			Full Idea: To Aquinas's three conditions for war (Idea 7291) modern theorists have added two others: that to be just a war must have a reasonable chance of success, and that the means used to conduct it must be proportional to the ends sought.
			From: A.C. Grayling (Among the Dead Cities [2006], Ch.6)
			A reaction: These two principles strike me as being much more civilized and humane than Aquinas's original contribution, suggesting that in our theoretical thinking we might be making some progress.