An Definition Of Moral Theory

Deontology is an ethical theory concerned with duties and rights. The founder of deontological ethics was a German philosopher named Immanuel Kant. Kant’s deontological perspective implies people are sensitive to moral duties that require or prohibit certain behaviors, irrespective of the consequences (Tanner, Medin, & Iliev, 2008). The main focus of deontology is duty: deontology is derived from the Greek word deon, meaning duty. A duty is morally mandated action, for instance, the duty never to lie and always to keep your word. Based on Kant, even when individuals do not want to act on duty they are ethically obligated to do so (Rich, 2008).

"(i) Duty Based Theories (or Deontological Theories): Theories that claim that what determines whether an act is morally right or wrong is the kind of act it is."(1)

Ross and Kant do represent very different forms of deontological theory although Ross did implement some aspects of Kantian deontology. Both believed there to be duties or moral obligations that we are to follow when making ethical decisions. Kant called his categorical imperative or perfect and imperfect duties. Ross called his prima facia duties, but both agree there are some cases

Immanuel Kant explains different concepts in Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals; one includes “The Categorical Imperative” that I agree with. Kant states “I ought never to act except in such a way that I can also will that my maxim should become a universal law” (Kant, 113), which describes Categorical Imperative. The reason a person acts should be based on reason and if it were something they wanted to become universalized or not.

Kant’s deontological ethics focuses on the moral aspects of duty. The rightness or wrongness of actions does not depend on their consequences but on whether they fulfil our duty. When we act, we should always respect other people, their dignity, and rationality. If our actions come from good will then they have true moral worth.

According to William David Ross, there are distinct “prima facie” duties that people can make reference to for guidance when trying to resolve moral dilemmas in life in order to decide the best solution. They are prima facie because they can be overridden. His theory isn’t subjective but Ross believed there was an objective fact of the matter to help you decide what to do. Certain circumstances or features of the conflict decide what one must do after all things are considered. Your judgment really is the only method one has because there is no super principle that helps to justify moral rules and no central intrinsic good stating the plurality of basic intrinsic goods. Nothing is fixed or set in stone because duties can conflict. His rules

Duty-based ethics are based on duty or obligation. Kant argues that there are higher principles that are good in no matter the time, situation, or culture. Therefore, when faced with

Rights-based theory matches my moral argument, as I am against continuing to support the city zoo. The issue lies with animals being confined in zoos for conservation and entertainment purposes and are not being able to live their lives in a way that God created for them. Meaning, animals are not enjoying their natural habitat, building their hunting skills, and living healthier lives. Which brings me to my response on the issue, animals should no longer be confined in zoos for entertainment purposes, they should be set free to roam in their natural habitat; I feel that it is morally wrong to confine them for entertainment purposes.

The sixth essential moral theory are the Prima Facie Duties and are these are several duties that we can use to concretely determine the best course of

The controversial moral argument that is going to be discussed in this paper is homosexuality in relation to religious beliefs and gay marriage. My beliefs are that this practice is morally wrong, but who am I to be the judge? The approach used to base this reasoning on is a simple question. Does this issue affect me? If a homosexual couple has the desire to wed, I do not see any possible reason that this would affect my livelihood. I will let God decide if this practice is acceptable or should be punished. Logically, there is no way to determine who is right or wrong in the argument, but it is useful to determine if the argument is good or bad (Mosser, 2011). A few premises that are

In Chapter seven we discussed deontological ethics and how good actions are made by the moral agent following moral rules. Deontological ethics has two types of intuition theories it is associated with: act-based and rule-based. Act-based intuitionism allows one to use their conscience to make decisions, general rules should not guide our actions. Joseph Butler was a key act-intuitionist in the 1700’s. Rule-based intuitionism states that our actions must be guided and followed by universal rules. William Ross is one of the most famous rule-intuitionist in history. Another theory associated with deontological ethics is divine command; this theory mentions that God commands and wills morality to one. Ross created seven duties that signify initial

Though the clips were somewhat interesting, they appeared to follow the dominant discourse poking at areas of moral panic to sell a one sided experience. All of the clips also addressed the topics from an essentialist perspective to draw their audience while selling a false sense of betterment to view the lives of those in the clips. However, the experience would be more valuable if greater focus and a constructionist perspective were used to create a stronger sense of cultural competency to address the realities of those depicted. In turn the clips perpetuated the fears of the unknown and strengthened the moral panics in society. In addition is seems that dominant discourse remained unchallenged in the clips and added to the kyriarchy that

The German philosopher Immanuel Kant developed his ethical theories based upon deontological ideas. A deontological ethical theory is concerned with obligation, one’s duty, which is derived from reason rather than in the maximization of some good resulting consequence. A deontological moral systems are categorized based upon its adherence impartial moral rules or duties. In order to make correct “moral” choices according to this way of moral thinking you would have to comprehend what you are morally obligated to do as well as what guidelines there are to regulate one’s moral obligations. Therefore, according to this line of thought, by honoring your obligations you are behaving “morally”. This also means that when you fail to observe your sworn duty you are then behaving “immorally”.

In James Rachels’ book, The Elements of Moral Philosophy, he expresses ideas within the concluding chapter, “What Would a Satisfactory Moral Theory be like?” that lay an silhouette of every moral approach we have discussed so far and compounding it into a final discussion with a couple of final contentions towards a comprehensive understanding of morality and the approaches we can make as moral guides to make decisions that are virtuous for each class without exception. Rachels’ gives thoughtful perspective on all subjects that we have learned about and makes final accumulations for the way we can decide to use these for our own benefit. While then expressing the virtues we must value for ourselves to have a best plan, and the ways our choices can help others in a positive aspect.

3.     Sir William David Ross’ Prima Facie Duties Theory: Ross believed that it was important to consider consequences when faced with a moral dilemma However, like Kant, he did not believe that consequences were the sole determination as to whether an action was right or wrong. Ross’ theory is considered a deontological theory because he believed that there is a set of rules that all people must obey in order to meet their moral obligations, regardless of the consequences.