The principle of double effect would justify a bombing that resulted in the death of civilians if the target was a legitimate military target.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of double effect suggests that an action with both good and bad effects can be morally permissible if the action itself is good or neutral, the good effect is not achieved by means of the bad effect, the intention is the achievement of only the good effect, and there is a proportionately grave reason for permitting the bad effect. In the context of a bombing aimed at a legitimate military target, the death of civilians could be considered a permissible indirect effect if these conditions are met.

The Principle of Double Effect Would Justify a Bombing That