The doctrine of double effect

Abstract

The Doctrine of Double Effect (DDE) states that it is sometimes permissible to bring about harm in the pursuit of a good end if the harmful effect is a foreseen side-effect rather than an intended consequence. However, proponents of the doctrine have found it difficult to draw a clear distinction between what is intended and what is foreseen but unintended, to explain the moral significance of the distinction, and to show that applying the DDE leads to intuitive or acceptable results. This thesis argues that each of these problems can be resolved to produce a credible defence of the doctrine.