Deontológiai

Deontológiai is a term derived from the Greek words "deon," meaning duty or obligation, and "logos," meaning study. It refers to an ethical theory that judges the morality of an action based on whether the action itself is right or wrong under a set of rules. This contrasts with consequentialist ethical theories, which determine the morality of an action based on its outcomes or consequences.

In deontological ethics, certain actions are considered inherently right or wrong, regardless of their potential benefits or harms. These duties or rules are often derived from principles, laws, or divine commands. For example, a deontological perspective might hold that lying is always wrong, even if telling a lie could lead to a positive outcome. The focus is on adherence to moral duties and obligations.

Key figures associated with deontological thought include Immanuel Kant, who emphasized the importance of the categorical imperative as a universal moral law that should guide our actions. He argued that morality is not about achieving good consequences but about acting out of respect for duty. Different deontological systems exist, with varying interpretations of what constitutes a duty and how to resolve conflicts between competing duties. The core idea remains that the morality of an act is intrinsic to the act itself, not its results.