A moral principle that distinguishes between intended and merely foreseen consequences of an action. It holds that it may be permissible to cause harm as a side effect of promoting good, even when it would be impermissible to cause that same harm as a means or end.
The doctrine originated with Thomas Aquinas in medieval scholastic philosophy and was developed within Catholic moral theology. It gained broader philosophical attention in the 20th century through discussions of medical ethics and just war theory.
This principle explains why we might think it's okay for a doctor to give pain medication that shortens life (intending to relieve suffering) but not okay to give a lethal injection (intending to cause death) — even though both result in earlier death! It suggests that intention, not just consequences, matters morally.
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