Deontology is a school of ethical thought that defines the morality of an action based on its adherence to rules or duties, rather than the consequences of that action. Often summarized as "duty-based ethics," it argues that some actions are inherently right or wrong regardless of their outcomes. The Foundation of Duty
The primary critique of deontology is its perceived rigidity. The "inquireing murderer" thought experiment asks: if a killer asks where your friend is hiding, is it wrong to lie? A strict Kantian might say yes, which feels counterintuitive to many. Additionally, deontology can struggle when two duties conflict—such as the duty to keep a promise versus the duty to help someone in need. Conclusion Deontology
It focuses on the obligations of the individual person. My duty is to ensure my actions are moral, regardless of what others do. Deontology is a school of ethical thought that
Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law. In other words, if you wouldn't want everyone else to do it (like lying or stealing), you shouldn't do it yourself. The "inquireing murderer" thought experiment asks: if a
The most influential figure in deontology is Immanuel Kant. He proposed that morality is derived from reason and that we have a "Categorical Imperative"—a moral law that is unconditional and applies to everyone. Kant offered several formulations of this imperative: