Deontology
Deontology by Joshua Cedric Aquino Gundayao, MA, MOHRE
Preliminary Notes
Deontologists believe that actions are intrinsically morally right or wrong.
Moral character exists independently of consequences.
Actions’ moral worth is determined by their nature.
Kant's Philosophy
Reason uncovers correct moral principles, which are absolute and cannot be broken.
Kant dismisses consequences as irrelevant in moral evaluation.
The only unconditionally good entity is a good will, seen as good in all circumstances.
Categorical Imperatives
Moral principles are termed categorical imperatives by Kant.
These are universal requirements of reason applicable to everyone.
Violating a categorical imperative results in one's own irrationality.
Moral demands exist irrespective of personal goals or self-interest.
Deontology Overview
Duty-based ethics focus on the action rather than its consequences.
Rules can be expressed negatively (Do not) or positively.
Deontological ethics emphasizes intention over consequences.
The right action is prioritized over outcomes.
Basic Assumptions of Deontology
Some choices are morally forbidden regardless of positive consequences.
Rightness is determined by conformity with moral norms.
Morally right actions align with specific rules, duties, or rights.
Understanding Maxims
A maxim is a principle that informs an act (e.g., "Try to reduce world hunger").
Deontology versus Other Ethical Theories
Act Guidance vs. Character Guidance: Deontology prioritizes actions.
Moral Norm vs. Consequences: Deontology prioritizes moral rules over results.
Examples of Deontological Theories
Divine Command Theory
The Golden Rule
Natural Law
Kantian Ethics
Divine Command Theory
Duty to obey God’s commands.
A variant of moral theology and considered deontological ethics.
Distinction made between moral prescriptivism and logic-based inquiry.
The Golden Rule
The ethic of reciprocity states: "Do to others as you want them to do to you."
While useful, it has limitations noted in ethical scenarios.
Natural Law
Human reasoning helps discern the Laws of Nature.
Humans must act according to discerned natural laws related to survival and procreation.
Imperatives in Deontology
An imperative is a prescriptive command to act.
Two types of imperatives:
Hypothetical Imperatives - Conditional and based on personal desires (e.g., "If you want Y, you ought to X").
Categorical Imperatives - Absolute commands that must be followed (e.g., "You ought to X").
Good Will
Good will is acting out of reverence for moral law.
Kant states that nothing can be considered good without limitation except a good will.
Kantian Ethics
Reason serves as both the judge and source of morality.
Moral principles derived from reason are universally applicable.
Moral Truth and Ethical Duty
Moral truths are independent and self-contained.
Ethical duty should not stem from subjective opinions but from reason.
All individuals share the same ethical duties; being good involves reverence for duty.
Types of Duties
Perfect Duties: Strict, inflexible duties with no exceptions.
Imperfect Duties: Duties with exceptions, such as aiding those in need (beneficence).
Critique of Other Ethical Theories
Utilitarianism allows using individuals as means to ends, which Kant opposes.
Kant defends the autonomy and dignity of individuals in moral actions.
A good will is not assessed by outcomes, but by the intention alone.
Categorical Imperatives Explained
CI1 – Universal Law: Act only according to maxims that could become universal laws without contradiction.
CI2 – End in Itself: Treat humanity always as an end, never as a means to an end.
CI3 – Kingdom of Ends: Act as if your actions were to legislate moral laws for the whole community.
Maxims: Deontology focuses on the "maxim" or principle behind an action. An action is right only if it aligns with a morally sound maxim.