Double Effect Research Paper

Natural Law :

The Principle of Double Effect The principle of double effect as explained in the natural law is solely based on intention. There are four conditions that must considered when determining what is moral under the double effect principle. The act must be morally good in itself or at least indifferent, but most definitely not begin as evil. If the action is naturally and fundamentally evil, there is no way to make it good or indifferent. If a situation arises and an evil effect happens, it should not intended, but allowed to happen as an accidental by-product of the morally good act. The evil must not be an actual factor in regards to the accomplishment of the good. Last but not least, there must be a reasonably grave reason

While the team is running, one of the players suffers an unexpected heart attack and dies. Under the principle of double effect, the coach did not commit an unmoral act because of his primary intentions. The beginning action was put in place to bring about a positive effect. The coach of the team did not intentionally make his team run so that one of his players would suffer a heart attack and die. Morality is the basis behind the principle of double effect. A morally illicit act is not allowed by anyone as well as no one may ever wish or intend for evil towards others even if the action is

In both senarious, the doctors were responsible for making tough decisions regarding life and death. In the first situation, the doctor had to choose to risk the life of the baby in order to save the mother. The actions were not immoral because the doctor was giving the mom medication in order to save at least one of the patients. The effect of killing the baby was not the intended purpose of giving the mother those deadly medication but it was intended to save the mother. In the second senario, the doctors were not left with many options. Delivery of the baby was not possible and the only way to save the mother was to allow an evil effect on the baby. Since in both cases, the intended purpose was not to kill a baby but to save the mother the principle of double effect of the natural law was