The Double Effect Principle

FAIN: FB-12510-75

Joseph M. Boyle
University of St. Thomas (Houston, TX 77006-4626)

The proposed project is on the double effect principle--an ethical rule which allows as morally permissible certain actions which in normal circumstances would be morally prohibited. The main provision of this rule is that such actions are permitted when the evil state of affairs is not intended. To study in particular the following questions: How is it that one can be not responsible for a foreseen consequence of what he does? How are intentions related to acts? How are acts individuated? How does one distinguish acts from their consequences? What do "means" and "end" mean in the context of human acts? How are the pairs cause and effect and means and ends related to one another? How are means related to intention? Material will be published as a result of this study.