this issue
previous article in this issuenext article in this issue

Document Details :

Title: Double Effect and John of St. Thomas
Subtitle: A Review of Jozef Ghoos' Historical Analysis
Author(s): ROJAS, José
Journal: Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses
Volume: 93    Issue: 1   Date: 2017   
Pages: 29-50
DOI: 10.2143/ETL.93.1.3203590

Abstract :
The Principle of Double Effect (PDE), variably called by most philosophers Doctrine of Double Effect (DDE), far from being obsolete and irrelevant, has become even more prominent in recent discussions of moral dilemma and conflict, especially in the area of applied ethics. In such discussions, the question of its origin remains a matter of interest and dispute. Although Jozef Ghoos’ historical analysis on the subject in 1950-1951 has been constantly referenced by most authors, it has hardly been accorded the detailed attention it deserves. On close inspection, Ghoos’ insights can still have an impact on the present discussions and shed more light into the question than otherwise thought and recognized. Some contemporary authors, for instance, continue to invoke a version of PDE that is reminiscent of Ghoos’ interpretation of John of St. Thomas’ approach to double effect. Ghoos’ opinion on the origin of PDE is examined in detail in this article.

Download article