Read the passage.
In 1-2 pages (double-spaced), apply the Doctrine of Double Ef
Read the passage.
In 1-2 pages (double-spaced), apply the Doctrine of Double Effect to the situation in the passage. What is the Doctrine of Double Effect? How is it applicable to the situation? How is it calculated? What factors matter? After answering this, evaluate. What would you do in this situation? Is the choice decided on by the deontologist one that you would also decide on? Why or why not?
You are the Secretary of Defense for the United States. You receive intelligence that a known terrorist leader resides in a weapons factory overseas. You reason that drone striking the weapons factory would both kill an important leader who kills and tortures many, putting an end to it. You also reason that future terrorist attempts would be hampered by the destruction of the weapons factory. Upon looking at a map of the area, you notice that the weapons factory is next door to a preschool. You have a very short window of time to perform the strike, as the terrorist leader stays mobile. You know that if you perform the strike now, when you have the highest chance of success, you will likely kill every preschool student and every teacher in the neighboring building. Would the doctrine of double effect render the drone strike ethical?
Hint: Do not consequentialize—don’t try to add up the consequences of each side. Instead, tell me how the doctrine of double effect might be used to justify the action.
