Double Effect Principle (also known as Effect Principle, Double, Principle, Double Effect): 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

NIH MeSH · D034723Humanities

Double Effect Principle

Also known asEffect Principle, Double · Principle, Double Effect · Principles, Double Effect · Doctrine of Double Effect · Effect Doctrine, Double · Double Effect Doctrine · Doctrine, Double Effect · Double Effect Rule · Rule, Double Effect · Principle of Double Effect · Rule of Double Effect · Effect Rule, Double

Definition

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)

MeSH classification

  • K01.752.566.479.101
  • N05.350.238

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Common questions about Double Effect Principle

What does Double Effect Principle mean in medicine?
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) This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Double Effect Principle known by any other names?
Yes. Double Effect Principle is also referred to as Effect Principle, Double, Principle, Double Effect, Principles, Double Effect, Doctrine of Double Effect in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Double Effect Principle sit in the medical classification?
Double Effect Principle falls under the broader medical category "Humanities" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: K01.752.566.479.101, N05.350.238). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Double Effect Principle?
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Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D034723) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗