Deontological Ethics

Immanuel Kant

Born: April 22, 1809 - Died: February 12, 1804

One of the most influential philosophers in western philosophy

Contributions in ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology

Derived

From Greek word “deon” (meaning duty or obligation).

Focuses on the rightness or consequences of actions not consequences.

Moral Duty

Absolute regardless of outcomes.

Kant's Core Ethical Principles; REASON

The foundation of morality, guiding ethical, decision-making.

Kant's Core Ethical Principles; GOODWILL

The internal moral companies, acting for the sake of duty.

Kant's Core Ethical Principles; DUTY

Acting morally because it is right, not for personal gain.

Universalizability

Act only according to maxims that could be universal laws.

Humans as Ends

Treat people as ends in themselves, never as mere means.

Moral Duty

Morality is based on rational obligation, not emotions or desires.

Autonomous Reason

Moral principles come from within, not external sources.

Obligation

A person must act morally because it is rational and universal

Accountability

Each individual is responsible for their moral decisions.

Ethics

Independent of religion.

Based on duty.

True religion

Aligns with moral duties determined by reason and goodwill

Happiness

Not the goal of morality, but acting morally makes one worthy of it.

Provides hope.

Analogy of Courtship

Happiness cannot be forced mit is a gift that one becomes worthy of.

Rationalism vs. Empiricism

Kant combined Descartes’ rationalism (reason-based knowledge) and Bacon’s empiricism.

Enlightment Thinker

Pushed the idea that humans should use reason rather than tradition or faith to determine morality.

Deontology vs. Consequentialism; DEONTOLOGY

Focuses on moral duty (intention matters)

Deontology vs. Consequentialism; CONSEQUENTIALISM

(like utilitarianism) focuses on outcomes: happiness or harm.

Emotions vs. Reason

Emotion-based morality, believing moral choices must be rational and universal.

Lying

Always wrong, even if it prevents harm, because truthfulness is a moral duty.

Murder in Self-Defense

Immoral in Kant's view, even if it protects loved ones, because killing violates universal moral view.

Helping Others

A moral duty, even if there's no personal benefit, because it aligns with goodwill.

Justice

A moral duty not based on personal preference or social benefit.

Aligns with reason, but in some cases, strict moral duty might seem harsh (e.g. Kant opposes lying, even to save a life).

Moral autonomy

The ability to think and act morally without external pressure.

Criticism

Some argue Kant's strict morality lacks flexibility for real-life situations.