Deontology

Deontology is a moral philosophy that judges the morality of an action based on rules or duties, not on its consequences. It emphasizes adherence to moral rules, such as honesty, fairness, and respect, regardless of the outcome. Actions are deemed right or wrong based on whether they align with these established duties, irrespective of the resulting impact or overall good. It contrasts with consequentialism, which focuses on the results of an action. Deontological ethics is frequently associated with figures like Immanuel Kant, who posited the categorical imperative as a foundation for moral duty.

Deontology meaning with examples

• A deontological approach to whistleblowing would mandate that an employee report any wrongdoing, regardless of potential repercussions like job loss or reputational damage. The duty to uphold honesty and expose corruption would be paramount, influencing the actions regardless of impact on the reporter.
• In a medical setting, a deontological view dictates that a doctor must always prioritize patient autonomy, fully disclosing all relevant information, even if it could lead to a patient's difficult choices, based on their duty to inform.
• A deontological stance on lying means it is always inherently wrong, even if the lie could prevent harm or save lives. The principle of truth-telling is seen as an unconditional moral imperative, making the outcome irrelevant in the decision-making process.
• Deontological ethics would suggest it's wrong to steal, even to feed a starving family, because the act violates a fundamental moral duty against theft. The inherent wrongness of the act trumps considerations of mitigating circumstances.
• If facing a dilemma involving the allocation of limited resources, a deontological perspective would prioritize fairness and established protocols, regardless of the consequences, to avoid violating duties of equal access and non-discrimination. This approach values the duty to treat everyone equally.