Deontology and Kant's Categorical Imperative

What is the primary focus of deontology or duty ethics?

Who is associated with the development of duty ethics?

What does the 'Categorial Imperative' state as a primary rule?

In the context of Kant's ethics, what defines a 'duty'?

Which principle suggests treating people as ends in themselves?

How does Kant differentiate between the Categorical Imperative and Hypothetical Imperatives?

Which of the following is a dilemma illustrating Kant's deontological ethics?

According to Kant's 'Universal Law', how should one assess their actions?

What does the categorical imperative propose regarding the morality of actions?

In duty ethics, how are the consequences of an action regarded?

Which of the following best describes the role of personal interest in duty ethics?

What challenge does duty ethics face regarding conflicting duties?

What is a key characteristic of the categorical imperative?

Deontology ("Duty Ethics")

Deontology is a moral theory focused on duties and rules.
It emphasizes the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, regardless of their consequences.
Moral rules are seen as absolute and universal.

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

A German philosopher known for his ideas on morality and duty.
Kant believed that moral actions are performed out of duty, not self-interest.
He argued that actions should be judged based on principles applicable to all situations, not contingent consequences.

Categorical Imperative

A core concept in Kant's deontology. It's a fundamental principle defining moral duties.
Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law.
This means actions must be justifiable on a universal scale, not specific to individual circumstances.
Key idea: moral worth of actions comes from fulfilling our duty based on moral principles, not our self-interest or the outcomes.

Examples of Dilemmas

Helping a friend cheat on a test: Maintaining honesty vs. helping a friend.
Receiving too much change and keeping it: Honesty vs. self-interest.
Being asked to lie to protect a friend: Honesty vs. friendship.

Criticisms of Deontology

Rules can conflict in certain situations.
It may not adequately address complex moral scenarios requiring balancing of competing values.
There's no easy way to resolve conflicts between rules.

Additional Points

Deontology emphasizes intentions behind actions.
The outcome is secondary in importance to the action itself.
Consequences do not factor directly into the moral judgment.
Following rules and duties is the moral imperative regardless of the consequences.
Cases (Casus 1 & 2) illustrate how deontological reasoning applies to complex, real-life situations concerning rights, rules, and consequences.

Explore the foundational principles of deontology, particularly focusing on Immanuel Kant's ethical philosophy. Understand the notion of moral duties and the Categorical Imperative, which emphasizes actions based on universal law rather than consequences. This quiz delves into the core ideas that make up duty ethics.