Duty Ethics: Deontology and Categorical Imperatives
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the central tenet of deontology?

  • The ends always justify the means, regardless of the actions taken.
  • Certain actions are inherently right or wrong, irrespective of their outcomes. (correct)
  • The morality of an action is solely determined by its consequences.
  • Moral duties are relative and depend on the specific context of the situation.

In the context of the 'Pill Distribution' thought experiment, what key difference makes choosing to save four patients over one morally permissible from a deontological perspective?

  • The doctor is not directly causing the death of the patient who needs four doses. (correct)
  • The value of each patient's life is subjective and determined by societal factors.
  • Saving more lives always produces a better overall outcome, justifying the choice.
  • The doctor is absolved of responsibility since they are acting under duress and limited resources.

What is a core belief of Immanuel Kant's Absolute Deontology?

  • Moral duties are determined by individual preferences and subjective feelings.
  • Moral duties are absolute and must be followed without exception, regardless of the consequences. (correct)
  • Moral duties should be flexible and adaptable to different cultural norms.
  • The only moral duty is to maximize happiness for the greatest number of people.

According to Kant's reasoning, what is the fundamental problem with lying?

<p>Lying undermines trust and the very possibility of meaningful communication. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario would be most difficult to reconcile with Absolute Deontology?

<p>Telling a lie to protect someone from imminent physical harm. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does absolute deontology differ from consequentialism when addressing ethical dilemmas?

<p>Absolute deontology emphasizes duties irrespective of outcomes, while consequentialism prioritizes actions that maximize overall well-being. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the 'Pill Distribution' scenario, how might a utilitarian approach (a form of consequentialism) differ from a deontological approach?

<p>A utilitarian approach would always prioritize saving the most lives possible, regardless of the method, while a deontological approach might consider the nature of the action itself. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the example of telling the truth relate to Kant's concept of universalizability?

<p>Telling the truth should be a universal law because a world where everyone lies would be self-defeating. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Deontology (Duty Ethics)

A moral theory that some actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences.

Absolute Deontology

A type of deontology asserting that certain moral duties are absolute and must always be followed, without exceptions.

Immanuel Kant

German philosopher (1724-1804) who advocated for Absolute Deontology.

Absolute Moral Duties

Moral obligations that must be followed in all situations, according to Kant.

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No Exceptions to Lying

The belief that it is always wrong to lie, no matter the circumstances or potential consequences.

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What If Everyone Lied?

If everyone lied, no one would believe anyone, making lying pointless.

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Actions vs. Consequences

The ends do not justify the means; some actions are inherently wrong, such as murder, regardless of the outcome.

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Categorical Imperatives

A framework that centers on the idea of universal moral laws that are binding on all rational beings, regardless of circumstances or consequences.

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Study Notes

  • Immanuel Kant said "Two things move the mind with ever-increasing admiration and awe the oftener and more steadily we reflect on them: the starry heavens above and the moral law within."
  • Three Leading Ethical Theories are explored, particularly Duty Ethics

Objectives

  • Introduce Deontology
  • Explore the theory of Absolute Deontology
  • Understand Categorical Imperatives
  • Review objections to Absolute Deontology

Pill Distribution

  • A doctor has four doses of life-saving medication for five ill patients
  • One patient needs all four doses while the others need only one
  • You save the four patients needing one dose each, and the patient needing four doses dies
  • You have choice between two consequences: one patient dies, or four patients die
  • It seems permissible to select the option that results in one death rather than four
  • In the "Pill Distribution" scenario, you do not achieve the consequence by murdering someone
  • Certain kinds of actions are wrong, like murder, regardless of the result

Deontology (Duty Ethics)

  • A view that some actions are morally right or wrong regardless of their consequences
  • Two versions of deontology are explored
  • Agent -> Action -> Consequence -> Recipient

Absolute Deontology

  • Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher (1724-1804) who endorsed a moral system called Absolute Deontology
  • There are certain moral duties that are absolute
  • There is a need to fulfill these duties no matter what
  • An example of absolute deontology is "You should not lie"
  • Kant believed telling the truth is an absolute, unconditional duty
  • It is never morally permissible to lie
  • Kant reasoned that if everyone lied all the time, no one would believe anything anyone else said, so there would be no point in lying, therefore you should not lie

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Deontology (Duty Ethics) Lecture PDF

Description

Explore Immanuel Kant's Duty Ethics, focusing on Deontology, Absolute Deontology, and Categorical Imperatives. Review the objections to Absolute Deontology. Understand the ethical considerations of actions, examining scenarios like the 'Pill Distribution' dilemma.

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