Deontology Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is Deontology?
Deontology is an ethical theory that focuses on following moral duties and actions rather than consequences.
Who is the main philosopher associated with Deontology?
Immanuel Kant
What is the central principle of Kantian ethics?
The Categorical Imperative, which states that moral actions must be universalizable and treat people as ends, not as means.
What does “duty-based ethics” mean in Deontology?
It means that people must follow moral duties or rules regardless of the outcomes.
What does Kant mean by “good will”?
A good will is acting from moral duty alone, not from personal desires or consequences.
What is the difference between a Categorical Imperative and a Hypothetical Imperative?
A Categorical Imperative applies unconditionally, while a Hypothetical Imperative applies only if you want a certain result (e.g., “If you want to be healthy, exercise”).
What is an example of applying the Universalizability Principle?
Lying fails the test because if everyone lied, trust would collapse, making lying impossible.
What is an example of applying the Humanity Principle?
Slavery is immoral because it treats people as mere means rather than as ends in themselves.
How does Deontology differ from Utilitarianism?
Deontology focuses on following moral duties, while Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing happiness.
What is a major criticism of Deontology?
It can lead to rigid moral rules, even when breaking them might have better consequences (e.g., never lying, even to protect someone).
How does Deontology view moral responsibility?
People are morally responsible for following rules, not for the consequences of their actions.
What does Kant say about emotions in moral decision-making?
Emotions should not determine moral choices—only rational duty matters.
Why is autonomy important in Deontology?
Morality requires free will—people must choose to act morally out of rational duty, not coercion.
perfect duty:
duties that are always in play (we should never lie)
imperfect duty:
duties that are not always in play (we do not always have to tell the truth)
what is the third formulation of the categorical imperative?
The Kingdom of Ends Principle
“Act according to maxims of a universally legislating member of a merely possible kingdom of ends.”
This envisions a society where everyone acts morally, treating others as ends and following universal laws.
Example: If everyone followed moral laws rationally, society would function with justice and fairness for all.
what is the second formulation of the categorical imperative?
The Humanity Principle (End-in-Itself Formula)
“Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means.”
This means that people should never be used as mere tools for someone else’s benefit but should always be respected as individuals with their own intrinsic value.
Example: Exploiting workers for profit is immoral because it treats them as mere means rather than valuing their dignity.
what is the first formulation of the categorical imperative?
The Universalizability Principle
“Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.”
This means you should only act in ways that could be applied universally without contradiction.
Example: Lying is wrong because if everyone lied, trust would be impossible, and communication would break down.
Main difference between deontology and virtue ethics:
impartiality- you view every person as the same so there is no varying levels of virtues anymore. AND it takes into account both action and intention.
