Deontology Essay: Example

2015, a. (i) Examine the important ideas of Deontology

Ginny.T

Deontology is a form of ethical theory that is founded upon the notion that actions are wrong or right in themselves, this means that it as an absolutist, non-consequentialist ethical theory based on duty and our rights. The most well known advocate for deontology is Kant, his ideas would aid much of this ethical theory and why it is important.

Deontology basically states that we must perform actions that are good in themselves, and is an ethical theory founded upon reason and duty. Kant postulated that all humans must possess reason and a conscience, and as of consequence when we face a moral dilemma, if we act well on our reason and our conscience our moral truths must be the same and independent of sense experiences. It is here that one of the ideas of deontology is to be noted, our moral decisions should not be affected by past experiences, because reason is something that every person has inherently. In which case, we can also argue that it is a priori, because reason is universal and moral reasoning allows us to reach the same conclusion over and over again, with no divulging. This is because ‘reason shines bright like a precious jewel’, Kant’s statement implies that with reason we can achieve our ‘highest’ or brightest potential. Kant’s idea of deontology is meant to explain why we can be moral and how it has come about.

Now that we have established that reason grants us universalisability to reach universal moral decisions, how do we assert that we obey these moral laws? Kant declares that the highest point of good is good will and in order to achieve this good will, we must obey the moral laws as if it were our duty, and to avoid the wrong thing. Kant believed that we did our duty for the sake of good will, thus is should not be performed for our own selfish means. If this is indeed the case, then it appears that deontology is a ethical theory that looks out for people as a whole, rather than for the individual’s own desires. In which case, we act out of duty rather than emotion, this is why deontology is non-consequentialist, if we cannot predict the consequences we must assume that a right action is always good, and not good because of the consequence, because the consequence may be the result of selfish thinking.

But, another important idea of deontology is not only found within its idea of reason and duty that must be upheld, it is important to maintain that this ethical theory is objective, and not subjective, and privy to flexibility. This is why Kant introduced one of the key ideas of the ethical theory; the categoric imperative is a fundamental part of deontology and must be obeyed. The categorical imperative basically prescribes that actions are categorical irrespective of the result, and imperative because it is an objective reality rather than a hypothetical imperative where things are conditional. This objective moral law is mean to help us to determine which actions are obligatory and which are forbidden.

Maxims are the rules by which we should live by according to the categoric imperative and is implemented by Kant. And there are three rules that must be applicable for a maxim to be a categoric imperative. These three rules are important for discerning the strength of deontology as an ethical theory. Kant argues that first of all the maxim must be able to be universalised and applied in all situations without exception, so if the maxim states that we should not lie, that means in all situations. Kant uses the axeman analogy, stating that if a mad axeman knocked at the door asking for a person because he was going to kill them, according to the categoric imperative, we have a duty to not lie and therefore reveal the victim. Secondly, we must treat humans as ends in themselves, not as means towards an end, as it makes sure that the categoric imperative is impartial and fair to all. And finally, it must be done so as if we live in a ‘kingdom of ends.’ This indicates that we must live just and fair, and not create maxims for selfish benefits.

Thus, having examined the key important ideas of deontology, we have identified, that universalisability, duty, reason and the objective, non-consequentialist approach to situations is what makes deontology different from other ethical theories. These main ideas, are built on top of one another to provide a alternative means of being moral, and reasons for doing so. Kant is the main proponent for deontology, although other sources for deontology can be found elsewhere, for instance in the form of divine command ethics. But, despite this, the key features for deontology remain the same.