Deontological Theories And Duties Have Existed For Centuries Essay

The word deontology comes from the Greek word “deontos” which means duty (Adams, 2011). Deontology can be defined as doing what is morally correct regardless of the final results as long as they abide by the moral principles. Certain actions, like lying, are never allowed regardless if its outcomes benefit the purpose and no harm is caused. The theory states that whether an action is ethical and follows the moral rules, depends on the intentions behind the decisions (Pieper, 2008). So for an action to be “good” and morally right, it must have been performed at goodwill and abide to moral values.

“Deontology is a moral theory that emphasizes one’s duty to do a particular action just because the action, itself, is inherently right and not through any other sorts of calculations – such as the consequences of the action” (Boylan, 2009, p. 171). In many aspects deontology is contrasted with utilitarianism. Deontology is based upon principle and does not calculate the consequences (Boylan, 2009, p. 171). Deontology attracts those seeking a stronger moral attraction because it refers to commanding rather than commending and commanding is a stronger structure (Boylan, 2009, p. 172). The

Immanuel Kant's deonotological ethical theory assesses if actions are moral based on the person's will or intention of acting. Kant's theory can be categorized as a deonotological because "actions are not assessed to be morally

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).

Kants theory is an example of a deontological moral theory, stating that right or wrong of actions doesnt depend on the consequences but, rather do they fufil our duty Morality is grounded in moral rules, Kant argued that there were universal moral rules, we must all adhere to under all cirumstances. There would be no exceptions no matter the consequcnes. The moral rule is the prohibition against lying. Kant believed there can't be any exceptions because, we may never know the results of our actions. (Williams & Arrigo, 2012, p. 169).

Before explaining why deontology is the best option for the accounting profession, the definitions of each ethics systems must be explained in detail. First, deontology only takes into consideration the issues of fairness, rights, and commitments (Duska, 2011). This system focuses solely on what is right and wrong no matter what the consequences are for self or others. In other words, a deontologist focuses not on the results of the action, but the action itself (Uyar, et.al., 2015). Deontologists believe that moral decisions are based on their obligations and duties. They believe that right is always right and wrong is always wrong, regardless of the outcome.

Deontology is the ethical view that some actions are morally forbidden or permitted regardless of consequences. One of the most influential deontological philosophers in history is Immanuel Kant who developed the idea of the Categorical Imperative. Kant believed that the only thing of intrinsic moral worth is a good will. Kant says in his work Morality and Rationality “The good will is not good because of what it affects or accomplishes or because of it’s adequacy to achieve some proposed end; it is good only because of it’s willing, i.e., it is good of itself”. A maxim is the generalized rule that characterizes the motives for a person’s actions. For Kant, a will that is good is one that is acting by

In a deontological system, it is supposed that a person's ethics and decision making is affected mostly by virtue or moral absolutes and guiding principles. This is very pronounced in Christian ethics. Thus, decision making in governed by the deontological system is whether an action is inherently right or wrong (Rae, 2000, p. 17). Furthermore, deontological systems are then based on divine command theory, natural law and ethical rationalism.

Deontological ethics are based on moral obligations, duties and rights. Rules are to guide decision making in deontological ethics. Deontological ethics have a more individualistic focus, as individuals are supposed to be treated with respect and dignity (Sexty, 2011, 7).

Kant believes that all people come to moral conclusions about right and wrong based on rational thought. Deontological moral systems are characterized by a focus upon adherence to independent moral rules or duties. To make the correct moral choices, we have to understand what our moral duties are and what correct rules exist to regulate those duties. When we follow our duty, we are behaving morally. When we fail to follow our duty, we are behaving immorally. Deontological moral systems typically stress the reasons why certain actions are performed. Simply following the correct moral rules is often not sufficient; instead, we have to have the correct motivations. This might allow a person to not be considered immoral even though they have broken a moral rule, but only so long as they were motivated to adhere to some correct moral duty. Nevertheless, a correct motivation alone is never a justification for an action in a deontological moral system and cannot be used as a basis for describing an action as morally correct. It is also not enough to simply believe that something is the correct duty to follow. Duties and obligations must be determined objectively and absolutely, not subjectively. There is no room in deontological systems of subjective feelings; on the contrary, most adherents condemn subjectivism and relativism in all their forms.

“. . . which makes the duty or the obligations we owe other human beings the fundamental principle of ethics.” Doing our duty is not based on a particular set of circumstances. Since acts are judged only by their consequences, the means justify the ends.

In the late 18th century one of the most influential philosophers by the name of Immanuel Kant introduced the third major ethical philosophy, Deontology. The basis behind Deontology is that people are duty bound to act morally by certain standards despite the outcome. Determining whether a person’s actions are morally right involves look at the intent of the actions. Like other ethic theories, Deontologist applies the golden rule of treating other people the way you would want them to treat you. Deontology can be broken down into three different theories: agent-centered, patient centered, and contractualist. Each branch of Deontology can be traced back in some way to Immanuel Kant. Can Deontology be applied to today’s society?

Proponents of deontological ethics do not consider consequences as important when determining whether an individual is moral or immoral. Morality is based solely on the person’s action. Several ethical theories are deontological theories.

Deontology as promoted by Kant on the other hand denies that the right action is the one that produces the best consequences. It is based on a set of moral rules, and the right action is supposed to be the one that conforms with these rules, whereas certain other types of action are morally forbidden. Deontology seems to appeal to common sense as duties include special obligations to family and

The word deontology is derived from the Greek words deon, meaning duty or obligation, and logos, meaning science or study. This school of ethics looks at the acts we attempt to do, and holds that right becomes before good. This means that if an act is not right, it may not be undertaken, no matter how much good it produces; an act is judged not on its consequences but whether or not it follows from one’s duty. Deontology recognizes two different types of imperatives; hypothetical and categorical. The categorical imperative is the deontological way of doing ethics. An example of an hypothetical imperative is “if I want to have white teeth, then I should brush my teeth”, and example of a categorical imperative is “I should brush my teeth”. According to Kant one should act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law without contradiction. This means that when you want to steal something you should think about it as a universal law, and thereby give other people the right to steal from you. However, if stealing would be an universal law then private property would be impossible and you would be unable to steal. This is a contradiction, and the general rule in deontology therefore is that stealing is morally