1.1.2 Deontology (NML)

Question 1

What is deontological ethics?

Answer 1

• The term applied to ethical theories which make judgement about ethical actions based on the intention of the moral agents.

Question 2

What do deontological theories reveal?

Answer 2

• When we are deciding what to do, some actions are always wrong.
• Reason supplies certain principles which rule out some actions, regardless of the circumstances.
• Rules cannot be broken/bent to suit us, they must remain unbroken.

Question 3

Who is the deontological approach most closely associated with and why?

Answer 3

• 18th century philosopher Kant.
• For Kant reason governs morality
• Doing the right thing is our duty as rational beings.
• Doing the wrong thing means we act immorally & irrationally.

Question 4

How is Aquinas significant to NML?

Answer 4

• NML is built upon Aquinas.
• He is the main scholar.

Question 5

How is Aristotle significant to NML?

Answer 5

• Aquinas used 2 concepts from Aristotle; Telos (the end goal/purpose) & eudaimonia (human flourishing).

Question 6

What does Aristotle believe to be the purpose of human beings?

Answer 6

• The achievement of eudaimonia.
• Fulfilling our purpose is what enables us to be able to live in the best way.