Double Effect Principle

The Double Effect Principle is a moral guideline used when an action has both a positive and a potentially harmful outcome. It states that an action is ethically acceptable if the intention is to achieve the good result, the harmful effect is not the primary goal, and there is a proportionate reason for allowing the harm. Essentially, it helps determine when it’s justified to proceed with an action that may cause some harm if the main purpose is beneficial, provided the harm is not excessive and is considered a secondary effect.