16 Questions
According to deontologists, the morality of an action should be based on:
A series of rules
What is the earliest and most prevalent form of deontology known as?
Divine command theory
In the deontological tradition, duties are most often associated with obeying:
Absolute moral rules
What does natural law claim to provide?
An objective and universal foundation
According to deontologists, the rightness or wrongness of a moral rule is determined independent of:
Its consequences
What does deontology consider as the basis for the morality of an action?
A series of rules
According to Immanuel Kant, what is necessary for morality to be possible?
Rationality and free will
What is the key factor that determines the morality of human action in deontological theory?
Intent
What is the formula or test provided by Kant for determining valid reflection of our duties and obligations?
Categorical imperative
According to Kant, what does the categorical imperative require us to test an action against?
Appropriately discharging our obligation to others
What does Kant consider as the natural attributes required for the possibility of morality?
Rationality and free will
According to deontological theorists, what cannot be separated from the morality of human action?
Intent
What does Kant's formula, the categorical imperative, require us to act in accordance with?
Our obligations governed by rules
What is the colloquial terminology for Kant's categorical imperative or universalizability criterion?
We should act only if we can desire that all others act in the same way
What is the key factor that determines the morality of human action according to deontology?
Intent
What does Immanuel Kant believe is necessary for morality to be possible?
Rationality and free will
Study Notes
Deontology Basics
- The morality of an action should be based on duties and rules.
- The earliest and most prevalent form of deontology is known as Divine Command Theory.
Natural Law and Morality
- Natural law claims to provide a universal moral code that is applicable to all humans.
- The rightness or wrongness of a moral rule is determined independent of consequences.
Immanuel Kant's Contributions
- According to Kant, morality is only possible if humans have autonomy and free will.
- The key factor that determines the morality of human action is whether it is in accordance with moral laws and duties.
The Categorical Imperative
- The categorical imperative is a formula or test for determining valid reflection of our duties and obligations.
- It requires us to test an action against the principle of universality, asking if it would be good for everyone to act in the same way.
- Kant's formula requires us to act in accordance with moral laws that could be willed as universal laws.
Key Principles
- According to deontological theorists, moral rules and duties cannot be separated from the morality of human action.
- Kant considers reason and autonomy as the natural attributes required for the possibility of morality.
- The key factor that determines the morality of human action is whether it is in accordance with moral laws and duties.
Universalizability Criterion
- The colloquial terminology for Kant's categorical imperative or universalizability criterion is the "universal law" test.
- It requires us to act in accordance with moral laws that could be willed as universal laws.
Test your knowledge of deontological ethics with this quiz. Explore the principles and theories behind this moral framework.
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