Republic of the Philippines

Laguna State Polytechnic University

ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Province of Laguna

Level I Institutionally Accredited

LSPU Self-Paced Learning Module (SLM)
Course Ethics
Sem/AY First Semester/2020-2021
Module No. 9
Lesson Title THE PRINCIPLE OF DOUBLE EFFECT
Week
1
Duration
Date January 25-29, 2021
Description This topic helps us understand the principle of double effect. It provides a means to assess
of the controversial actions with mixed outcomes.
Lesson

Learning Outcomes
Intended Students should be able to meet the following intended learning outcomes:
Learning  Understand how to apply the principle of double effect.
Outcomes
Targets/ At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
Objectives  Understand the four conditions of the principle of double effect.
 Apply the principle of double effect in a moral dilemma.

Student Learning Strategies

Online Activities A. Online Discussion via Google Meet

(Synchronous/ The link will be available in our Google Classroom and will also be sent in
our FB Messenger group chat.
Asynchronous)
Learning Guide Questions:
1. Who introduced the doctrine of double effect?
2. What is the moral principle of double effect?
3. How to apply this concept to a certain moral dilemma?

B. For Those in asynchronous learning, this module is available in the Google

Classroom.

Note: The insight that you will post on the online discussion forum using the
Learning Management System (LMS) will receive additional scores in your class
participation.

The principle of double effect provides guidelines in a difficult situation, wherein

there is no other way of resolving a tragic situation. This lesson shed light on the

GEC 108: ETHICS

 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Province of Laguna

Offline Activities moral principleAccredited

Level I Institutionally of double effect.
(e-Learning/Self-
Paced) Main Proponent
St. Thomas of Aquinas introduced the doctrine of double effect in the Summa
Theologiae (II-II. Qu. 64. Art. 7). He stated, “Nothing hinders one act from having
two effects, only one of which is intended, while the other is beside the intention.
Now moral acts take their species according to what is intended, and not according
to what is beside the intention since this is accidental.”

Principle
A human act from which two effects may result, one good and one evil, is morally
permissible under four conditions. If any of these conditions is violated, the action is
not justifiable and should not be done.

Four Conditions of the Principle of Double Effect

1. The nature of the act

 The action must be morally good in itself, or at least morally indifferent.

2. Not a means to an end

 The good effect of the action must come before the evil effect or at least be
simultaneous with it. To do evil so that good may come of it is never permitted.
Evil cannot be used as a means or factor in the accomplishment of the good.

3. The right-intention
 The motive or intention prompting the action must be directed towards the
attainment of the good effect; the evil effect is only permitted as an incidental
result.

4. Proportionality
 The good effect must be more important or least equally important as the evil
effect.

Example

If a woman who is pregnant is found to have a cancerous uterus, a surgeon could

remove the cancerous uterus to save the woman’s life, a good moral object. The
surgeon would realize that removing the gravid uterus will result in the death of the
fetus, but this effect is beyond the intention of the woman and the surgeon; thus, it is
not a moral effect but a physical effect of the act. If they could, they would both
counteract the cancer and save the child, but the evil effect is inextricably connected
with the good effect.

Engaging Activity
To learn more, watch this video:

GEC 108: ETHICS

 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Province of Laguna

Level I Institutionally Accredited

NCBC: What is The Moral Principle of Double Effect?
by: National Catholic Bioethics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEFUxeg1qkg

Performance Tasks

ILO ACTIVITY/ASSESSMENT: Mother’s Life or Baby’s Life

Situation:

A pregnant and gravely sick woman is advised by a doctor to take certain drugs and medicines. She
knows that these drugs will cause the death of the fetus. May she follow the advice of the doctor?

 Apply the principle of double effect in the given situation.

 Consider the four conditions of the principle of double effect in your answer.
 Write your answer in the box for those who are under remote learning or modular. You may use
another sheet of paper if needed.

For those who can access the Google Classroom, attach your answer to the “question” classwork. Please
follow the given instructions.

GEC 108: ETHICS

 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Province of Laguna

Understanding Directed Assessment

Level I Institutionally Accredited

Rubrics for the ILO Activity/ Assessment: Mother’s Life or Baby’s Life

Criteria/Points 5 3 1
Content The explanation covered The explanation covered The explanation was a
(5) the four conditions of some of the conditions of mere opinion and did not
double effect. double effect. cover any conditions of
double effect.

Clarity The explanation showed The explanation showed The explanation showed
(5) clarity of thought and some basic a lack of understanding,
depth of insight. understanding of the clarity, and organization
principle of double effect. of the principle of double
effect.

Learning Resources
Ashley, Benedict M., and O’Rourke, Kevin D. (2002). Ethics of Health Care. Georgetown University
Press, Washington, D.C.
Panizo, Alfredo (1964). Ethics or Moral Philosophy. PPP Incorporated, Quezon City, Philippines

GEC 108: ETHICS