What Is Deontology?

Theories are a series of interconnected proposals. Theories are an effort to describe, explain, predict, and finally control a period of events. We are able to base our experiments and select the contenders for the experiments off of our theories. We are able to test our theories by how well the cumulated data describes, relates to and predicts reality. Theories act as patterns for interpreting specific data that we may refer back to. These patterns ensure we stay on topic and are able to obtain the proper results needed to verify our theories.

In theory development literature, concepts are the building blocks from which one constructs theories. Concepts are the fundamental building blocks for any scientific knowledge in any field, and the purpose of any concept analysis is to spell out the implication of a given concept of interest using a given approach or methodology (Meleis, 2011). The idea of concept analysis relates to the research blueprint of a philosophical inquiry whose purpose is to carry out research by intellectual analysis in order to spell out meaning.

Deontology or also know as Deontology ethics is an approach that is taken that determines the goodness and rightness of a specific act or rules and duties that a specific person has to perform. Deontology is the complete opposite of consequentialism. Consequentialism is the where the outcome of an act has a major influence and not the actual act itself. In better words it is what comes after the action that is made and not the action itself. As for deontology an action can be considered right or something acceptable even if the outcome of the action is something bad. A perfect example for deontology would be “ do onto others what you would have them do onto you.” This is just something that

2) A theory is defined as an organized set of concepts that explains a phenomenon or set of phenomena. - True

Deontology can be defined as “moral theories that guide and assess our choices of what we ought to do, in contrast to other theories that guide and assess what kind of person we are should be (Alexander & Moore, 2007). Consequentialism “argues that the morality of an action is based on the action’s outcome or consequence, the action’s outcome or consequence, a morally right action is one that produces a good outcome or result, and the consequences of an action or rule generally outweigh all other considerations” (Anonymous, n.d.). These two theories differ in various ways. While deontology focuses in the rightness and wrongness of one’s intent to conform to duty or laws, consequentialism emphasizes on the potential outcomes and

When we talk about science, many people hear the term “theory”. The definition of a scientific theory can become confusing since many people interpret the meaning differently. When a person uses the term “theory” in a sentence it is usually used in a non-scientific way. They assume that a theory is something assumed, but not proven. When the term “theory” is used in science, it means an explanation based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning. It has been tested and confirmed as a general principle to explain phenomena. A scientific theory must be based on careful examination of facts. “A theory is a hypothesis or set of hypotheses that has stood the

Theory is a set of logically interrelated concepts, statements, propositions, and definitions, which came from philosophical beliefs of scientific data (McEwen & Wills, 2014). Basically, theory is your best educated guess. Theory is not knowledge or anything that is objective or concrete. Theory is not values or ethics. For example, there is a theory of how the diversity of life on the planet works, but it is a belief of scientific data. Another example is there are different theories on what causes autoimmune diseases. The purpose of theory is to interpret observations or project outcomes. Theories may not be proven, but may be disapproved leading to new and more accurate theories to be created.

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.

A theory is an explanation for a problem or an observation. These explanations can vary based on which perspective is being used, such as a moral or sociological. Despite having different theories for the same problem, they all try to “...explicitly or implicitly suggest how to address [a] problem, which could then lead to appropriate action” (p.52).

Theories are defined as a belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of action (Theory, n.d.). The theory that I researched is the social exchange theory. Defined as interpreting people’s social interactions that are based on estimates of rewards and punishment. The research indicates that the theory is valid. I will go further in to depth.

According to Merriam-Webster, theory is defined as an idea or set of ideas that is intended to explain facts or events. In every profession, theories are necessary to help determine if facts are credible. Credible theories are based on ideas, observations, and research. They have been tested in studies to see if they are effective (Gladding, 2005). For a theory to be considered as a good theory, it must meet certain criteria. It must be clear and easy to understand, comprehensive, written in a way that invites others to explore its uses, contains guidelines that others can follow to achieve desired results, and it must be practical and provides strategies its followers may use under certain conditions (Gladding, 2005).

A theory is defined by the Merriam Webster Medical Dictionary as a working premise that is considered plausible based on evidence, facts, or conceptual analysis and is acknowledged as a base for testing (Merriam Webster Dictionary, 2017). Walker and Advent (2011) further explain theory in the form of theory synthesis. Theory synthesis brings together information from multiple sources, and new theories may arise from the foundation of the initial theory (Walker & Advent, 2011).

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?

A theory is a set of systematic informed hunches about the way things work. A good theory goes beyond accepted wisdom and offers explanations and speculations about phenomena. Additionally, a good theory consists of a system of concepts which means that the theorist were able to make connections among his ideas. A theory tends to shape our perception of reality and behaviour and guides us through unknown areas.

A theory is primarily meant to explain or predict an event, behaviour or outcome. Proponents of a theory look for evidence to support the theory. This evidence should be independently observed and consistent after repeated observations. Some theories are speculative or ideas or guesses floated to encourage researchers to undertake the observations required to prove or disprove the theory. The question often debated is what comes