Ethics Without Intention

Ezio Di Nucci is Assistant Professor in Philosophy at Universität Duisburg-Essen, Germany.

• Preface 1. Introductory Remarks: We Never Do Just One Thing Part I: The Doctrine of Double Effect2. Definitions First: Classic Formulations of the Doctrine 3. Back to the Beginning: Aristotle, Aquinas and the Origins of Double Effect Part II: Double Effect in Theory4. The Trolley Problem 5. An Experimental Approach to the Permissibility of Killing One to Save Five 6. A Theoretical Problem with Double Effect: Closeness 7. Kamm, Kant, and Double Effect Part III: Double Effect in Practice8. The Classic Application of Double Effect: Collateral Damages 9. An Experimental Approach to the Distinction between Intending and Merely Foreseeing 10. Bioethical Applications: The Example of Embryo Loss and Stem Cell Research 11. What Shall I Do? The Doctrine Cannot Tell Us How We May Permissibly Act 12. Concluding Remarks: Responsibility, Character and Mends NotesBibliography Index

In his “Ethics without Intention. An Essay on Double Effect“ Ezio di Nucci provides the first in-depth action theoretic analysis of the infamous Doctrine of Double Effect, without already presupposing a particular ethical theory. He offers eight arguments against the doctrine, and convincingly shows that we cannot justify a particular immoral action by way of distinguishing between intended means and its merely foreseen side-effects.His study is original, lucid, and analytically sharp. His book is a must read for everyone interested in the moral relevance of intentions.