deontology

what does deon mean

duty

what type of theory is it

• non-consequentialist

• a-priori

how do people know laws

through reason and rationality

what are some principles of deontology

• no set of rules - must rationalist the self

• cannot have irrational beings

what was kant’s idea of duty

• must use reason to gain autonomy

• highest moral duty is good will

• use free will to commit good

what can deontology be seen as a reaction against

• luther “reason is the devils whore”

what is a hypothetical imperative

• morally neutral actions

• working towards various conditions and goals

what is a categorical imperative

• becomes a duty - must carry

• kant against blind faith

what is the first principle

should never act in a way that i could not will my maxim should be a universal law

• do what you are willing for others to do

• universality principles

• cannot contradict goodwill

what is the second principle

other people should be treated as ends in themselves

• people are not a means to an end

• intrinsically valuable

• no lives are more valuable than others

what is the third principle

act as though you were a lawmaker

• make moral laws on how you want society to be

what are duties from the imperative

• never commit suicide

• always tell the truth

• always improve your talents

• always help others in need

what are strengths of kantian deontology

• all humans have value

• straightforward theory

• removes moral dilemmas

• takes away blind faith

• duties = realistic

what are some weaknesses of kantian deontology

• too rigid

• emotion brings balance

• clashes of duty (promise vs court of law)

• hyperspecific maxims can pass

W.D Ross developments

• generally we should follow duties

• will be circumstances where you cannot uphold duty

• clash of duties gut will tell