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Doctrine of Double Effect
“Using harm as a means and foreseeing it as a side effect may carry different moral weight.”
01 / SUMMARY
In short
The doctrine of double effect tries to explain when foreseen but unintended harm may be permissible while pursuing a good end. Formulations add conditions about means, intention, and proportionality.
03 / SCENE
In the wild
Giving pain relief while foreseeing a secondary risk is analyzed differently from using that risk as the instrument of death.
04 / LIMIT
The limit
Saying “I did not intend it” is insufficient; the plan, alternatives, and role of harm all matter.
FINAL NOTE
What remains
Map the causal chain and locate exactly where the harm sits in the plan.