Deontology

Definition

Deontology is an ethical theory that judges the morality of an action based on the action's adherence to a rule or rules, rather than the consequences of the action. It is a duty-based approach to ethics that emphasizes the inherent rightness or wrongness of an action, regardless of its outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Deontology focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of an action, rather than its consequences.
2. Deontological ethics emphasizes moral duties and obligations, which must be fulfilled regardless of the outcomes.
3. Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative is a central tenet of deontological ethics, which states that one should act only in accordance with rules that could become universal laws.
4. Deontological ethics is often contrasted with consequentialist ethical theories, such as utilitarianism, which judge the morality of an action based on its outcomes.
5. Deontological ethics can lead to moral dilemmas, as actions that are considered morally right according to a set of rules may have undesirable consequences.

Review Questions

• Explain the key principles of deontological ethics and how they differ from consequentialist ethical theories.
  • The key principles of deontological ethics are that the morality of an action is determined by the action's adherence to moral rules or duties, rather than its consequences. Deontologists believe that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their outcomes. This contrasts with consequentialist theories, such as utilitarianism, which judge the morality of an action based on its consequences and the overall well-being it produces. Deontological ethics emphasizes moral absolutes and the fulfillment of duties, while consequentialist theories focus on maximizing positive outcomes.
• Describe Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative and explain how it relates to deontological ethics.
  • Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative is a central tenet of deontological ethics that states that one should act only in accordance with that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law. This means that an action is only morally permissible if the principle behind it could be universally applied without contradiction. The Categorical Imperative emphasizes the importance of moral duties and obligations, which must be fulfilled regardless of the consequences. It reflects the deontological belief that the inherent rightness or wrongness of an action is more important than its outcomes.
• Discuss the potential limitations and criticisms of deontological ethics, and how they relate to the context of 2.4 Ethics in the Intro to Psychology Study Guide 2024.
  • One of the key limitations of deontological ethics is that it can lead to moral dilemmas, where actions that are considered morally right according to a set of rules may have undesirable consequences. This relates to the discussion of ethics in the Intro to Psychology Study Guide 2024, as ethical decision-making often involves weighing competing principles and considerations. Deontological ethics may struggle to provide clear guidance in complex situations where moral duties conflict or where the consequences of an action are difficult to predict. Critics argue that a strict adherence to moral rules can sometimes lead to outcomes that are at odds with the underlying ethical principles of promoting well-being and minimizing harm. Understanding the strengths and limitations of deontological ethics is important in the context of exploring ethical frameworks in psychology.

Related terms

Categorical Imperative: A central tenet of deontological ethics proposed by Immanuel Kant, which states that one should act only in accordance with that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.

Moral Absolutism: The belief that there are absolute moral standards against which moral questions can be judged, and that certain actions are right or wrong regardless of the circumstances or their consequences.

Moral Duty: An obligation or requirement to perform a certain action, based on moral principles or rules, rather than on the basis of the consequences of the action.