title: The doctrine of double effect: reflections on theoretical and practical issues.
abstract: The Doctrine of Double Effect and the Principle of Do No Harm raise important theoretical and practical issues, some of which are discussed by Boyle, Donagan, and Quinn. I argue that neither principle is correct, and some revisionist, and probably nonabsolutist, analysis of constraints on action and omission is necessary. In making these points, I examine several approaches to deflection of threat cases, discuss an argument for the permissibility of voluntary euthanasia, and present arguments relevant to medical contexts which justify intentionally harming some to aid others, with and without the consent of those harmed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Philosophy, New York University, New York 10003.
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Kamm
mesh_terms: D026688:Bioethical Issues; D002410:Catholicism; D034723:Double Effect Principle; D026689:Ethical Analysis; D028663:Ethical Theory; D004989:Ethics; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005065:Euthanasia; D015276:Health Care Rationing; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D033182:Intention; D009014:Morals; D018579:Patient Selection; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D040841:Resource Allocation; D013812:Therapeutics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014180:Transplantation