Deontology: Duty Ethics

Deontology: Duty Ethics

Definition

• Deontology is a moral philosophy that emphasizes the role of duty in ethics
• Focuses on the rightness or wrongness of actions themselves, rather than their consequences

Key Principles

• Duty: Moral obligations that should be fulfilled regardless of consequences
• Rules: Moral rules or principles that guide action
• Respect for persons: Treating individuals as ends in themselves, rather than means to an end

Immanuel Kant's Deontology

• Categorical Imperative: A moral rule that should be universalized and applied consistently
  • "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."
• Universalizability: Moral principles should be applicable to all similar situations

Types of Duties

• Perfect duties: Absolute moral obligations that should always be fulfilled (e.g., do not lie)
• Imperfect duties: Moral obligations that should be fulfilled, but allow for flexibility in application (e.g., helping others)

Criticisms and Challenges

• Rigidity: Deontology can lead to inflexibility in moral decision-making
• Conflicting duties: Situations where multiple duties conflict, making it difficult to determine the right action

Test your knowledge of deontology, a moral philosophy that emphasizes the role of duty in ethics. Learn about key principles, Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative, types of duties, and criticisms of deontology.