Double-Effect Reasoning Doing Good and Avoiding Evil

Double-Effect Reasoning: Doing Good and Avoiding Evil by T. A. Cavanaugh, published by OUP Oxford on August 24, 2006, is a comprehensive exploration of double-effect reasoning (DER), a principle significant in anti-consequentialist ethics. This edition spans 220 pages and is presented in English. Cavanaugh examines the complexities of DER, particularly in challenging scenarios where achieving a positive outcome may inadvertently lead to a negative consequence, such as civilian casualties in military operations.

Readers will find a thorough analysis of the historical context and contemporary debates surrounding double-effect reasoning. The book addresses its implications in various fields, including theoretical and applied ethics, with a focus on medical and military ethics. Additionally, it engages with topics relevant to legal and public policy scholars, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the intersections of ethics, law, and moral philosophy.