Week 7 - Kantian Ethics and Deontology summary

THEORIES OF ETHICS: DEONTOLOGY

  • Definition: Also known as intrinsicalism; focuses on actions being right or wrong in themselves.

  • Principle: Morality determined by adherence to obligations, not by consequences.

DEONTOLOGY OVERVIEW

  • Duty-based ethics emphasize doing the right thing for its own sake.

  • Abides by fixed moral rules (e.g., wrong to kill, steal, lie).

MAJOR PHILOSOPHERS

  • Immanuel Kant: Morality based in reason; actions are duty-driven.

  • W.D. Ross: Developed aspects of Kantian ethics.

KANTIAN THEORY

  • Actions should be undertaken out of duty, not self-interest.

  • Morality governed by the Categorical Imperative, which is absolute and unconditional.

CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE

  1. Formulation 1: Act only on maxims that you would will to become universal laws.
       - Universalisability: maxims must apply equally to all.

  2. Formulation 2: Treat humanity as an end, not as a means to an end.
       - Emphasizes respect for individuals and their autonomy.

DUTIES IN KANTIAN ETHICS

  • Perfect Duties: Absolute obligations (e.g., not to kill, not to lie).

  • Imperfect Duties: Flexible obligations that are praiseworthy (e.g., support the poor).

ARGUMENTS FOR KANTIAN THEORY

  • Provides a rational basis for moral judgments.

  • Establishes a clear moral code recognizing individual rights and autonomy.

  • Asserts that some actions are morally impermissible regardless of consequences.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST KANTIAN THEORY

  • Principles can be vague, lacking comprehensive application to moral dilemmas.

  • May overlook nuances in moral situations, leading to rigidity.

  • Conflicts in duties can arise, leading to consequentialist reasoning.

  • Does not account for emotional factors or consequences affecting morality.

EXAMPLES IN DEONTOLOGY

  • Case of Robin Hood: Deontologists argue against heroic theft.

  • Media responsibility: journalists should not lie even to save lives.

  • Ethical dilemmas: conflicts between duty and truth-telling are challenging.