chapter4 ethics

Deontology: A Study of Duty

Chapter Objectives

• Discuss basic principles of deontology.

• Apply agency and autonomy to moral experiences.

• Evaluate actions using the universalizability test.

Introduction

• Case Study: Reggie Cabututan, a taxi driver, returned a suitcase with valuables. His action demonstrates moral conviction and duty, prioritizing ethics over potential rewards.

Duty and Agency

• Deontology: Morality based on duty; derived from Greek "deon" (necessary).

• Immanuel Kant: Major proponent; posited that rational will distinguishes humans from animals through reflective action.

Autonomy

• Kant's Autonomy: Self-imposed laws (autos + nomos) versus external influences (heteronomy).

• Example: Adults acting on personal convictions versus children needing parental prompts.

Rational Will vs. Animal Impulse

• Kant’s Perspective: Free choice is based on rational thought rather than mere impulses; the ability to prioritize long-term goals over immediate desires exemplifies true agency.

Practical Implications of Autonomy

• Actions driven by self-interest, such as stealing, lack moral permissibility.

Universalizability

• Concept: A method for assessing moral actions via universally applicable maxims.

• Testing Example: Borrowing money without repayment intentions is impermissible if universalized.

Conclusion

• Emphasizes critical ethical reasoning through self-legislation, asserting rational agency in moral deliberation, opposing paternalism.

Key Terms

• Rational Will: Reason-based action capability.

• Agency: Intentional choice capacity.

• Duty: Ethical obligations from rational thought.

• Maxim: Principle guiding actions.

• Universalizability: Consistency test for moral actions.

• Autonomy vs. Heteronomy: Self-imposed vs. externally imposed laws.