NLM Logo

Double Effect Principle MeSH Descriptor Data 2024


MeSH Heading
Double Effect Principle
Tree Number(s)
K01.752.566.479.101
N05.350.238
Unique ID
D034723
RDF Unique Identifier
http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D034723
Annotation
note category; use only in the context of ethics
Scope Note
Guideline for determining when it is morally permissible to perform an action to pursue a good end with knowledge that the action will also bring about bad results. It generally states that, in cases where a contemplated action has such double effect, the action is permissible only if: it is not wrong in itself; the bad result is not intended; the good result is not a direct causal result of the bad result; and the good result is "proportionate to" the bad result. (from Solomon, "Double Effect," in Becker, The Encyclopedia of Ethics, 1992)
Entry Term(s)
Doctrine of Double Effect
Double Effect Doctrine
Double Effect Rule
Principle of Double Effect
Rule of Double Effect
Previous Indexing
Ethics (1979-2002)
Ethics, Medical (1997-2002)
See Also
Intention
Public MeSH Note
2009; see DOUBLE EFFECT 2003-2008; see ETHICS 2002
History Note
2009 (2003); use ETHICS 2002
Date Established
2003/01/01
Date of Entry
2002/07/03
Revision Date
2015/06/22

No Qualifiers
Double Effect Principle Preferred
page delivered in 0.164s