Double-Effect Reasoning: Doing Good and Avoiding Evil

T. A. Cavanaugh defends double-effect reasoning (DER), also known as the principle of double effect. DER plays a role in anti-consequentialist ethics (such as deontology), in hard cases in which one cannot realize a good without also causing a foreseen, but not intended, bad effect (for example, killing non-combatants when bombing a military target). This study is the first book-length account of the history and issues surrounding this controversial approach to hard cases. It will be indispensable in theoretical ethics, applied ethics (especially medical and military), and moral theology. It will also interest legal and public policy scholars.


Author: T. A. Cavanaugh
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 07/01/2006
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.50w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9780199272198

About the Author

T. A. Cavanaugh is Professor and Chair of Philosophy, University of San Francisco.

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