Deontology

What gives an action its moral worth according to deontology?

The intention behind it, not the consequences.

What does “nonconsequentialism” mean?

Consequences don’t determine right and wrong—only duty and intention matter.

Can right actions have bad consequences?

Yes

Can right actions have bad consequences?

Yes

What is an intention?

The aim or purpose behind an action.

How do deontologists judge moral worth?

By intentions and motivations, not by outcomes.

What is a right?

An entitlement or desert.

Examples of rights?

Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, property, education, healthcare.

What is a negative right?

A right not to have something taken away from you.

What is a positive right?

A right to have something provided to you.

What is Kant’s one innate right?

Freedom—independence from another’s will.

Where do other rights (life, property, etc.) come from, according to Kant?

They flow from the right to freedom.

Why is theft wrong according to consequences?

It deprives the owner and causes unhappiness.

Why is theft wrong according to rights?

It violates the owner’s property rights.

What is the core notion in deontological ethics?

Duty

What else is central besides duty?

Freedom, rights, dignity, and respect.

Who is the most influential deontologist?

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804)

What did Kant reject?

Consequentialism.

What did Kant emphasize instead?

Duty, dignity, and autonomy.

Why isn’t utility (pleasure, satisfaction) always good?

Because it can justify evil (e.g., Nazis’ pleasure).

What is autonomy?

Self-rule; governing oneself by reason.

What is heteronomy?

Being governed by desires or external forces.

How did Locke view rights?

As God-given, part of natural law.

Did Kant agree that morality comes from God’s commands?

No—he thought moral law comes from human reason.

What is the only thing that is universally and absolutely good?

A good will.

What is a good will?

Doing your duty for duty’s sake, not for effects.

Why is a good will valuable?

It has worth in itself, “shines like a jewel,” even if it achieves nothing.