The Doctrine of Double Effect and the Ethics of Dual Use

Is the doctrine of double effect (DDE) relevant to dual-use dilemmas? Can consideration of the DDE make a significant contribution to the ethics of dual use? Several writers assume that dual-use dilemmas are instances of double effect.¹ Certainly this particular connection is strongly suggested by the terms ‘dual use’ and ‘double effect’ and also by the structure of dual-use dilemmas. A dual-use dilemma is said to arise when an action or activity such as research in the life sciences or publication of that research can have both good and bad effects: alongside its intended good outcome, for example, the enhancement