We don't torture: Moral resolutions, temptation, and the doctrine of double effect
Published version
Peer-reviewed
Repository URI
Repository DOI
Change log
Authors
Holton, Richard https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8116-2639
Abstract
‘We don’t torture’, announced both Bush and Obama. But what Bush meant as a statement of fact, Obama meant as a statement of resolve. Exploring this example, this article examines how moral resolutions work to overcome the rationalisations that temptation engenders. This in turn sheds light on the the nature of our moral concepts. Resolutions are typically framed using intentional notions (torture, murder, theft). Reflection on the reasons for this provides a new perspective on what is right, and what is wrong, about the doctrine of double effect.
Description
Keywords
Journal Title
Journal of the British Academy
Conference Name
Journal ISSN
2052-7217
2052-7217
2052-7217
Volume Title
5
Publisher
British Academy