MeSH Browser

MeSH Heading: Double Effect Principle
Tree Number(s): K01.752.566.479.101; N05.350.238
Unique ID: D034723
RDF Unique Identifier: http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D034723
Annotation: note category; use only in the context of ethics
Scope Note: 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)
Entry Term(s): Doctrine of Double Effect; Double Effect Doctrine; Double Effect Rule; Principle of Double Effect; Rule of Double Effect
Previous Indexing: Ethics (1979-2002); Ethics, Medical (1997-2002)
See Also: Intention
Public MeSH Note: 2009; see DOUBLE EFFECT 2003-2008; see ETHICS 2002
History Note: 2009 (2003); use ETHICS 2002
Date Established: 2003/01/01
Date of Entry: 2002/07/03
Revision Date: 2015/06/22

Concept UI: M0515684
Scope Note: 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)
Terms: Double Effect Principle Preferred Term
Term UI T711442
Date12/18/2007
LexicalTag NON
ThesaurusID NLM (2009); Principle of Double Effect
Term UI T709679
Date11/15/2007
LexicalTag NON
ThesaurusID NLM (2009); Doctrine of Double Effect
Term UI T709680
Date11/15/2007
LexicalTag NON
ThesaurusID NLM (2009); Rule of Double Effect
Term UI T709681
Date11/15/2007
LexicalTag NON
ThesaurusID NLM (2009); Double Effect Rule
Term UI T711443
Date12/18/2007
LexicalTag NON
ThesaurusID NLM (2009); Double Effect Doctrine
Term UI T711444
Date12/18/2007
LexicalTag NON
ThesaurusID NLM (2009)

Double Effect Principle MeSH Descriptor Data 2025