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The Principle of Double Effect 2.0
The Principle of Double Effect 2.0
"One may not do evil that good may come of it," is an ancient axiom of morality. As
noted under the subject of moral cooperation, we may not formally will another’s evil,
provide immediate material support for it, or even mediate material support. We may,
however, tolerate it as remote mediate material cooperation, but only when there is a
serious proportion, as discussed under no. 4 below.
Such unintended evil effects are morally different than using evil means to achieve an
end. Something that is used as a means is by its nature intended.
Establishing a just wage for workers is desirable by Catholic social teaching. However,
this good effect can never be proportionate enough to compensate for the evil of
abortion, the attack on marriage and family, or the loss of religious freedom (the Non-
Negotiables). These are categorically and qualitatively different goods.
It is clear that he was speaking within the context of the Catholic moral
tradition outlined above, and not in support of a utilitarian ethic.
Veritatis Splendor 75
... "consequentialism" or "proportionalism." The former claims to draw the criteria of the
rightness of a given way of acting solely from a calculation of oreseeable consequences
deriving from a given choice. The latter, by weighing the various values and goods
being sought, focuses rather on the proportion acknowledged between the good and
bad effects of that choice, with a view to the "greater good" or "lesser evil" actually
possible in a particular situation.
Veritatis Splendor 76
... Such theories however are not faithful to the Church's teaching, when they believe
they can justify, as morally good, deliberate choices of kinds of behavior contrary to the
commandments of the divine and natural law. These theories cannot claim to be
grounded in the Catholic moral tradition. ... The faithful are obliged to acknowledge and
respect the specific moral precepts declared and taught by the Church in the name of
God, the Creator and Lord.