1.1.5 Proportionalism & Doctrine Of Double Effect

Question 1

What is proportionalism?

Answer 1

• An ethical theory.
• Associated with Hoose.
• An attractive middle way between absolutism of natural law & other situation ethics.

Question 2

What is a quote from Hoose?

Answer 2

• “It is never right t go against a principle unless there is a proportionate reason which would justify it.”

Question 3

What does Hoose say about NML?

Answer 3

• We should generally follow it unless there is a significant reason meaning it was fair to set them aside.
• Therefore, acts are not always inherently evil.
• If there is proportionate reason we can abandon the precepts e.g. an abortion if the mothers life is in danger.

Question 4

What are criticisms of proportionalism?

Answer 4

• No method is provided.
• It is left up to the individuals judgement within the situation.

Question 5

What is the doctrine of double effect?

Answer 5

• Even if an act has ethically bad consequences, the action is not deemed as bad if the intention was good.
• This applies even if the bad consequences were foreseen.

Question 6

What did Aquinas recognise about NML?

Answer 6

• Sometimes life gives us situations where it isnt possible to do good without also doing bad.
• E.g. killing someone as a for of self-defensive.
• A bad consequence does not make an act morally wrong so long as the bad consequence is not intended.