Deontology
The deontological moral theory argues that morality imperates obedience to a set of moral rules despite what consequences may stem from doing so. Prominently articulated by Immanuel Kant, the core of this ethical principle states that individuals must always be treated as an end in themselves and never merely as means to end. The deontological emphasization of moral responsibility, human dignity, and respect for flights is considered to be universalised and grounded in autonomy. Deontology forms a strong foundation for human rights.
Stanford Encyclopedia– Deontological Ethics
This reading described the deontological framework as “right” taking priority over the “good.” This distinction explains how actions are judged by their alignment with moral rules rather than their consequences. According to deontology, actions such as killing, coercion, or deception are wrong in all scenarios, even if they are necessary to produce better outcomes. This introduces the concept of moral constraints - limits of what individuals are allowed to do morally, even for the so-called “greater good”. There are a variety of deontological voices - agent-centered views emphasize intention and moral responsibility, patient-centered views focus on respecting the rights of others, and contractualism necessitates justification and fairness to others. The unifying idea between these variations is that morality cannot be overridden by the promise of a better future.
Stanford Encyclopedia– Immanuel Kant
This reading introduced Immanuel Kant, the figurehead of deontology. Kant argues that humans are rational beings and are thus able to govern themselves through self-determined moral law. These laws arise from a rational configuration of duty, separated by hypothetical (conditional) and categorical (unconditional) imperative. Kant argues for the categorial imperative, requiring that individuals solely act in accordance with these laws in any citation. He also argues that humans are inherently aware of their moral obligations, and states that true freedom comes from acting in alignment with these rational moral laws over being subjected to one's personal desire.
Onora O’Neill– Kantian Ethics
In this piece, O’Neill explores one of Kant’s most important principles: treating people as ends in themselves. An individual is treated as a means to end why they are nonconsensually (or unknowingly without the possibility of rational consent) involved in an action, which occurs through actions of deception and coercion. Even if these situations may yield overall good, the process of achieving this is immoral, therefore the goodness of the situation is invalidated. Thus, moral evaluation should focus on the maxims behind actions and whether they respect others as rational agents capable of consent. Her interpretation highlights that morality is fundamentally about respecting rational agency, and that ethical wrongdoing often stems from manipulation, exploitation, or lack of consent rather than simply bad outcomes.
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