The principle of double effect states that it is permissible to harm someone only if
A) The person is not actually physically touched
B) There is a greater overall benefit by harming the person than not harming them
C) The harm is not a means to an end
D) You only harm them once

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of double effect states that it is permissible to harm someone if the harm is not a means to an end, meaning that the harm is not intended but is merely a foreseeable consequence of pursuing a greater good. The principle also requires that the good resulting from the action must outweigh the harm caused, and the harm inflicted must not be intended as an end in itself. Therefore, choice C best represents the principle of double effect.

The Principle of Double Effect States That It Is Permissible