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Deontology is a moral philosophy based on the duty to obey moral rules, regardless of outcomes. It contrasts consequentialism, which prioritizes good over right. Deontological theories evaluate actions based on moral norms and personal obligations. The threshold theory allows exceptions to prevent moral catastrophe. Supporters see deontology as flexible and beneficial, while critics argue it can lead to immorality and lack of compassion.
Deontology is a form of moral philosophy centered on the tenets of the 18th century philosopher Immanuel Kant. Its name comes from the Greek words deon and logos, which mean study of duty. This school of ethics is based on the notion that people have a duty to obey moral rules at all times, regardless of any positive results that may result from violating them.
The basis of deontology is to evaluate a person’s character by what he follows the moral rules, even if tragic results occur in doing so. It is in direct contrast to consequentialism, a form of ethics that determines the morality of actions by the results they produce. Consequentialism favors the good over the right, while deontology always supports the right to the good.
The deontological model of ethics determines the correctness of a moral action by determining whether it follows moral norms. There is no subjectivity and a moral rule must always be respected without any thought. For example, Kant set the example that it is wrong to lie even though it might save a person’s life.
The agent-centered theory of deontology states that people’s moral choices are determined by personal obligation and permission. For example, a parent is obliged to treat his child as more important than other people; however, other adults are under no obligation to treat that parent’s child differently from anyone else. Because people may have different personal obligations than others, they are also allowed to protect their obligations at the expense of others. In this theory, a parent is allowed to save their child even if it means causing negative or tragic consequences for other people’s children. Critics of this theory believe it promotes narcissistic behaviors because its purpose is to keep personal agendas in check at the expense of others.
The patient-centered theory focuses on the rights of individuals rather than personal duties. It states that individuals have the right not to be used for moral good against their will. For example, a murderer cannot be killed without his permission, even if it would save several lives.
In the threshold theory of deontology, some exceptions can be made to prevent moral catastrophe. A threshold can be established at which a morality can theoretically be disobeyed. For example, a person may be tortured if it would prevent the mass killing of thousands of people. The theory is meant to prevent bigotry; however, critics believe there is no set threshold in the theory. which could cause disagreement about what constitutes a moral catastrophe.
Promoters of the deontological philosophy believe that it benefits individuals because it gives them special permission to put the well-being of family and friends above others. They also see it as more flexible than consequentialism, which can support a person sacrificing family if it will result in a positive outcome for the masses. Critics argue that deontological ethics can make people immoral and lacking in compassion, and that the philosophy is irrational.
