Deontologieën

Deontologieën, often translated as deontological ethics or duty-based ethics, is a family of ethical theories that judge the morality of an action based on whether the action itself is right or wrong under a set of rules. This is in contrast to consequentialist theories, which judge the morality of an action based on its outcomes. In deontology, the focus is on the adherence to duties, obligations, and rules, regardless of the consequences.

Key concepts in deontological ethics include the idea of moral duties or obligations. These duties can be derived from various sources, such as divine commands, natural law, or rational principles. For example, a deontological rule might state that "lying is wrong" or "one must keep promises." The moral worth of an action is determined by whether it fulfills these duties.

One of the most prominent deontologists was Immanuel Kant, whose categorical imperative serves as a foundational principle. Kant argued that moral rules must be universalizable, meaning they should be applied to everyone in all situations. He also emphasized the importance of treating humanity, in oneself and others, always as an end and never merely as a means.

Deontological theories are often characterized by their absolutism, meaning that certain actions are considered inherently right or wrong. This can lead to situations where following a moral duty might result in negative consequences, but the deontological framework would still deem the action morally permissible because the duty was upheld. This focus on rules and duties provides a framework for moral decision-making that is not contingent on predicting or evaluating outcomes.