Ethic 2: Deontology

Definition: Moral theory that states morally right actions are those that follow universal rules (rules that every can and should follow)

What's most important: Intentions; doing something wrong implies that everyone could do that same action, regardless if result of that action is good or bad. Everyone doing an immoral action would lead to a morally corrupt and dangerous society, and thus we must avoid partaking in immoral actions to not fall into this scenario.

Potential Strengths:

• Laws apply to everyone equally; no one has an unfair advantage in deontology.
• Because people are treated with inherent value, and no one can be used as mere means to and end, deontology protects people from exploitation to achieve a goal.

Potential Weaknesses:

• Not doing something that is potentially morally wrong can lead to dangerous situations.
• Ex. Not lying about someone's presence to a murderder can lead to someone's death. Lying might've saved their life.
• What is morally right can be subjective; what should be universal to one person may not be to someone else.

Next: Virtue Ethics

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