The problem. Two methodologies for the moral evaluation of action : the principle of double effect (PDE) and the weighing of goods
Overview of this study and brief summary of the argument
"Vital indication" and a recent example : the moral justification of the act of saving a life
The structure of the argumentation : weighing goods in the case of vital indication
Church doctrine and past discussions in moral theology. "Direct abortion" according to church doctrine : specification of the concept from the viewpoint of action theory
The physical and intentional structure of actions : the object of the moral act
The controversy regarding craniotomy through the end of the nineteenth century : the interpretation of Summa theologiae II-II, q.64, a.7: a. The argument of Pietro Avanzini and the category of the "unjust aggressor" ; b. Summa theologiae II-II, q.64, a.7 : killing in self-defense according to Thomas Aquinas ; c. Critique and the development of the discussion ; d. Waffelaert's incorrect interpretation of ST II-II, q.64, a.7 ; e. The consequences of the confusion
Life-saving medical interventions : the prohibition of killing and the virtue of justice. Retrospective summary : acts of killing and the ethical context of "justice"
Reevaluation of contemporary therapies : vital indication and extrauterine gravidity: a. Salpingectomy or segment resection ; b. Linear salpingotomy (or salpingostomy) ; c. Drug treatment with methotrexate ; d. Expectant management
The moral justification of life-saving measures in the case of vital conflict: a. Recapitulation and conclusive explanation of the ethical argument ; b. The exclusion of the weighing of goods ; c. Objections and response
Epilogue: Virtue ethics, "direct" and "indirect," and prohibition of killing.