Deontology

In moral philosophy, deontological ethics or Deontology (from Greek: δέον, ‘obligation, duty’ + λόγος, ‘study’) is the normative ethical theory that the morality of an action should be based on whether that action itself is right or wrong under a series of rules and principles, rather than based on the consequences of the action. It is sometimes described as duty-, obligation-, or rule-based ethics. Deontological ethics is commonly contrasted to consequentialism, virtue ethics, and pragmatic ethics. In this terminology, action is more important than the consequences.

The term deontological was first used to describe the current, specialised definition by C. D. Broad in his 1930 book, Five Types of Ethical Theory. Older usage of the term goes back to Jeremy Bentham, who coined it prior to 1816 as a synonym of dicastic or censorial ethics (i.e., ethics based on judgement). The more general sense of the word is retained in French, especially in the term code de déontologie (ethical code), in the context of professional ethics.

Depending on the system of deontological ethics under consideration, a moral obligation may arise from an external or internal source, such as a set of rules inherent to the universe (ethical naturalism), religious law, or a set of personal or cultural values (any of which may be in conflict with personal desires). Deontology is mainly used in governments which allow the people which live under the government to abide by a certain set of rules which are set for the population to abide to.

wikipedia/en/Deontology

Deontology is an ethical theory that focuses on whether actions are inherently right or wrong, based on a set of rules or duties, rather than on the consequences of those actions. It emphasizes moral obligations and duties, suggesting that some actions are simply right or wrong, regardless of their outcomes.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

Key Concepts:

Duty and Obligation:

Deontology centers on the idea of moral duties and obligations that individuals must fulfill.

Rules and Principles:

It relies on a set of rules or principles that guide moral decision-making.

Intentions Matter:

Deontology often considers the intention behind an action as crucial for determining its morality.

Not Consequences:

Unlike consequentialist ethics, deontology does not focus on the outcomes or results of actions when evaluating their morality.

Core Ideas:

Moral Absolutes:

Deontology often involves moral absolutes, suggesting that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the situation.

Universalizability:

A key aspect is the concept of universalizability, where one asks if a moral rule could be applied to everyone in all situations.

Examples:

Examples include the Ten Commandments, which prescribe a set of rules for moral behavior.

Kantian Deontology:

A prominent example is Immanuel Kant’s philosophy, which emphasizes acting based on a sense of duty and treating individuals as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end.

Contrast with Consequentialism:

Consequentialism: Focuses on the consequences of actions to determine their morality.

Deontology: Focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, regardless of their outcomes.

Strengths of Deontology:

Provides a clear framework for ethical decision-making based on established rules.

Can be easier to apply in situations where consequences are difficult to predict or weigh.

Emphasizes the importance of moral duties and obligations.

Weaknesses of Deontology:

Can be inflexible and not adaptable to specific situations.

May lead to moral dilemmas when duties conflict.

Can be difficult to determine which rules or duties should take precedence.

Criticized for not considering the consequences of actions.

Deontology (Duty-Based Ethics):

• Focus:

  Morality of actions is determined by whether they align with pre-established duties, rules, or principles. 

• Key Concepts:

  Duty, obligation, rules, rights, and principles are central. 

• Examples:

  Following the Ten Commandments, respecting human rights, keeping promises, and adhering to universal moral laws are deontological principles. 

• Emphasis:

  The intent behind an action and whether it conforms to a moral rule are more important than the actual outcome. 

• Criticisms:

  Deontology can be rigid and may not offer clear guidance in situations where rules conflict or when the consequences of following a rule are clearly negative. 

Teleology (Consequentialist Ethics):

• Focus:

  The morality of actions is determined by the consequences they produce, aiming for the best possible outcome. 

• Key Concepts:

  Consequences, outcomes, goals, and maximizing good or minimizing harm. 

• Examples:

  Utilitarianism, which seeks to maximize happiness for the greatest number of people, is a teleological approach. 

• Emphasis:

  The results of an action are paramount; if an action leads to a positive outcome, it is considered moral, regardless of the means used. 

• Criticisms:

  Teleology can be difficult to predict all potential consequences of an action, and may justify actions that are morally questionable if they lead to a desirable outcome. 

In essence, deontology asks, “Is this the right thing to do?” while teleology asks, “Does this lead to the best outcome?”