Deontology-Based Ethics

In 1788, German philosopher Immanuel Kant propounded the ethical theory of Deontology which is the moral compulsion to act according to the laid down guidelines of a set of maxims despite the result or consequences that such actions may incur in the end. While religious deontology was based on divine decrees, Kantian deontology is based on human reasoning; rationality. Deontology expects that whenever a moral agent makes a decision it should not be under the influence of emotions, human inclinations or even selfish desires but should be based on morals and rationale solely.

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).

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.

In South Park, South Park illustrates normative ethics in society and people. The characters and scenarios are well scripted to categorize the three main theories of normative ethics; utilitarianism, deontology and virtue ethics. The show constantly displays the universal mindsets of multiple people within various situations and how one effects the other and the world. Majority of these scenarios, virtue ethics brings about the best results for those within the South Park community and the main characters. In the following, I will argue why virtue ethics is the most effective theory to always follow of all theories and how always following a utilitarianism and deontology approach can cause conflict within oneself and society.

Kant developed the categorical imperative which is based on his belief that morality is derived from rationality. Our book tells us that the categorical imperative is an absolute moral law to be upheld regardless of circumstances. He was a deontologist, meaning that he believed that moral judgement is contained in the action alone. His categorical imperative is broken down into three maxims. The first maxim is universality; which means that for an action to be moral in your circumstances, it must

Deontology is an ethical framework, which states, that the rightness and wrongness of an act depends upon the nature of the act (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2014). People believe that healthcare disparities are not an issue in America today. Although, many minorities are receiving healthcare, the level of care revealed is not equitable. Today, minorities are not getting the same quality of care as the majority group, access to healthcare is not easily attained, and millions of minorities are uninsured. Kant asserted that moral rules are absolute and apply to all people, for all times, and in all situations (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2014, p. 44-45). The ACA is creating the opportunity for all Americans to receive health insurance with fewer disparities in the quality of care. To find knowledge of the right course of action the categorical imperative can be followed. The categorical imperative states, “act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2014).” Meaning, if an action is morally right, it can reasonably be imagined to be a strict law. Unequal treatment regarding others is morally wrong. Every American should get the same opportunities and have the resources to allow for those opportunities. Every American should have access to healthcare and health insurance. The ACA is creating opportunities for Americans to achieve access.

Moreover, deontological ethics focuses on how actions follow certain moral rules. So, the action is judged rather than the consequences of the action. The biggest proponent of deontological ethics was Immanuel Kant who said that

First, it is necessary to fully understand this philosophy. Categorical imperative and how maxims become the universal law are important components in his philosophy. In 4:414, Kant tells what is the categorical imperative. He claims “the categorical imperative would be that which represented an action as objectively necessary of itself, without reference to another end.” Kant means categorical imperative represents the behavior, which is just for itself but not as the means to another ultimate goal.

From the moment we are born, our parents make sure to teach us the right from wrong. As we grow older we begin having our own thoughts and learning the ethical and unethical things of life. In today’s society, we are all expected to be more open-minded and respecting of others way of life and culture. That’s what being a Global Citizen is about. Through Global Ethics we have learned so far, that we can all relate to three important moral theories. These theories are known as Consequentialist (Utilitarian), Deontological, and Virtue. Through this paper I will also be discussing a case study found in chapter two, based on the Selling of Human Body Parts, and how it’s seen through the lenses of Cosmopolitanism and its four criterions, as

I believe that the moral theory of Deontology, which is also called non-consequentialism, incorrectly answers the question “What is right?” The reason being that Deontology answers this question base on each individual experience and belief, which most likely will always be different from person to person. In my stance I will first explain the moral theory of Deontology, secondly I will point out how Deontology answers the question “What is right?”, and lastly analyze why the moral theory of Deontology will fail in answering the question of “What is right?”

?Leadership can be described as a process of social influence which has the tendency of maximizing the efforts of other people with an aim of achieving a goal. As a leader, I subscribe to authentic leadership. Authentic leadership is an idea that has been around since ancient times and refers to a style of leadership that is very consistent with the personality of the leader and their core values, these values include; honesty, being ethical and practical in all dealings (Fidler, 2013). Authentic leaders put more emphasis on building their legitimacy. This can only be possible if the leader presents honest relationships, coupled with ethical actions. The leader will be able to positively influence others in achieving the goals

The study of ethical theories has been proven to be somewhat of an acrmonious and challenging matter. Cultures and societies all over the world have different ideas on what should be considered morally right and what is morally wrong. With certain bias towards right and wrong based on culture and/or upbringing, studying and fully understanding each theory with an open mind can be quite difficult. Grasping each idea and making a choice as to which theory to adopt is also a difficult matter. Most people will not choose to follow only one theory, but will adopt a moderately benevolent acceptance for others platitudes and beliefs. Many theories have secure arguments and an outstanding amount of people who abide by them. There, however, has to be one that offers more ethical and logical sense than others, right?

Deontology was contrived by Immanuel Kant (1724-1804). According to Kant, the end results, means, motives, opposition and circumstances are regardless; however, the pivotal point is concluding the moral intent of a decision or action itself. The theory assesses the morality of individuals’ action by undermining the consequences. Further, Kant emphasizes that our duties that are imperative and these duties must never be abandoned, neglecting the foreseen outcome.

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”.