Deontology is a moral theory that says actions are right or wrong based on rules or principles, not just the outcomes. It focuses on duty and following moral laws, regardless of the consequences. For example, telling the truth is always right, even if it leads to a bad outcome. Deontologists believ...
DEONTOLOGY (DUTY ETHICS)
–Concerned with the adherence to certain rules or duties which means that the morality of an
action should be based on whether that action is right or wrong under a series of rules. It is
more concerned with what people do (intent), not with the consequences of their actions.
IMMANUEL KANT’S DUTY - BASED ETHICS
- Believed that ethical actions follow universal moral laws (e.g., Don’t cheat. Don’tlie. Don’t
steal)which all human beings must honor and be obligated to do for it is their duty as moral
agents.
- Believed that there was a supreme principle of morality referred to as‘ Categorical Imperative
which determines what moral duties are.
- Categorical Imperatives. Commands that are intended to be the basis of all other rules which
you should be doing regardless of your interest and/or desire (e.g.,Even if you want to cheat on
your taxes so you have more money, you are able to do so).
1. The Universalizability Principle. Always act in such a way that the maxim of your action
should become a universal law (e.g., ‘Do not break promises’ implies a universal judgement for
anybody in the identical situation should have not broken their promises).
2. The Formula of Humanity. Act so that you treat humanity, both in your own person and in that
of another, always as an end and never merely as a means. People should not be tricked,
manipulated, or bullied into doing things. (e.g., ‘Lying to your friend about their birthday party so
it would be a surprise’ is considered morally wrong).
- Fundamental Duties. Specific principles (maxims and moral laws) that emphasize morality
requires the fulfillment of moral duties and not on self-seeking desires.
- Perfect Duties. These are duties that do not allow exceptions and are universal which means
that they apply to all rational beings despite the consequences of the actions (e.g., ‘Lying’ is
considered universally wrong for communication with be difficult if everyone would lie, it would
be difficult to determine sincere and deceitful statements).
- Imperfect Duties. There are duties that do not always need to be followed in one way or all the
time for this is dependent on the rationality and autonomy of an individual. People have their
own sense of duty towards themselves and others (e.g., ‘giving to charity’ is a duty dependent
on the rational nature and personal expression of an individual’s sense of duty; of what the
individual sees as the right thing to do).
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