Ethics: Deontology and Virtue ethics

What is deontological ethics?

The belief that morality is defined by the intention not the consequences.

What is Kantian Deontology?

A duty-based set of absolutist ethics, that suggest intention of actions is as if not more important than the outcome, and emphasises logic.

Social influence on Kant’s theory

He was influenced by rationalist philosophers.

Give 2 philosophers that influenced Kant

Descartes’ empiricism and Francis Bacon.

Cultural influences on Kant’s ethics

He worked during the Enlightenment period, a period which emphasised autonomy and reason.

Political influences on Kant’s ethics

His work was shaped by political ideas of freedom and equality.

What is duty-based ethics?

Kant argued the only truly good thing was good will.