2.1.5

Discussion Points - Telos & Double Effect Doctrine

Test yourself

Debates about Telos and the Doctrine of Double Effect

Can we measure how right/wrong or good/bad something is based on its success in meeting its telos? Does the universe have a telos? Can the doctrine of double effect actually justify any actions?

Illustrative background for Wrong actions by natural lawIllustrative background for Wrong actions by natural law ?? "content

Wrong actions by natural law

  • Natural law implies that the purpose of sexual intercourse is reproduction.
    • So artificial contraception, masturbation and homosexual sexual activity are considered to be wrong because they do not allow for the production of new life.
Illustrative background for Catholic & counter-argumentsIllustrative background for Catholic & counter-arguments ?? "content

Catholic & counter-arguments

  • Although the Catholic Church supports this view, many people challenge it today.
  • Sexual relationships are viewed beyond the physical, which natural law does not acknowledge.
    • The telos of sexual activity could be unity or strengthening of a relationship and this could happen between unmarried couples and homosexual couples.
Illustrative background for Does the universe have a *telos*?Illustrative background for Does the universe have a *telos*? ?? "content

Does the universe have a telos?

  • Some argue the universe does not have a telos.
  • If someone does not accept that the world was created by God, then its creation and the universe is random and changeable.
  • Concepts that were once considered “natural” are then challenged.
  • The primary precept of reproduction entirely assumes that the female purpose is to have children. Many people would consider this notion to be old-fashioned and challenges the idea that there is one single pre-established end.
Illustrative background for Can the doctrine justify acts?Illustrative background for Can the doctrine justify acts? ?? "content

Can the doctrine justify acts?

  • The doctrine of double effect allows for some flexibility in natural law when the moral problem seems impossible.
  • Aquinas uses the example of self-defence to illustrate his point.
    • If we are being attacked, we may use proportionate force to save ourselves. If this results in the death of our attacker, this is lawful as long as we used proportionate force and our intention was to save our own life.
Illustrative background for Issue with doctrine: motivesIllustrative background for Issue with doctrine: motives ?? "content

Issue with doctrine: motives

  • Aquinas is concerned with motives. Herein lies the problem. We cannot know someone’s true motives.
    • They may say they acted to save their life, but how can we really know? This then opens the door to the doctrine being abused when the agent says they acted with good motives when really they did not.

Jump to other topics

1Philosophy of Religion

1.1Ancient Philosophical Influences: Plato

1.2Ancient Philosophical Influences: Aristotle

1.3Ancient Philosophical Influences: Soul, Mind, Body

1.4The Existence of God - Arguments from Observation

1.5The Existence of God - Arguments from Reason

1.6Religious Experience

1.7The Problem of Evil

1.8The Nature & Attributes of God

1.9Religious Language: Negative, Analogical, Symbolic

1.10Religious Language: 20th Century Perspective

2Religion & Ethics

3Developments in Christian Thought

3.1Saint Augustine's Teachings

3.2Death & the Afterlife

3.3Knowledge of God's Existence

3.4The Person of Jesus Christ

3.5Christian Moral Principles

3.6Christian Moral Action

3.7Development - Pluralism & Theology

3.8Development - Pluralism & Society

3.9Gender & Society

3.10Gender & Theology

3.11Challenges

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson