deontological

Deontological ethics, or deontology, is a family of normative ethical theories that judge the morality of an action based on adherence to rules, duties, or moral principles rather than the outcomes it produces. The central idea is that certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong, independent of their consequences.

A key variant is Kantian deontology, named after Immanuel Kant. Kantian ethics emphasizes universalizable maxims and the intrinsic worth of persons. The core idea is that one should act only according to maxims that could be willed as universal laws, and that individuals must be treated as ends in themselves, never merely as means. This leads to duties such as not lying, not stealing, and keeping promises, grounded in respect for rational agency and autonomy. Kant distinguishes perfect duties (strict and exceptionless) from imperfect duties (obligations pursued when appropriate).

Other deontologists, such as W. D. Ross, argue for pluralistic deontology. Ross proposes prima facie duties—fidelity, reparation, gratitude, justice, beneficence, self-improvement, and non-maleficence—that can conflict, with moral judgment requiring a rational balancing of duties in context.

Deontology stands in contrast to consequentialist theories (e.g., utilitarianism), which evaluate rightness by outcomes. Critics argue that strict deontology can be inflexible or give unclear guidance in duty conflicts; defenders respond that duties provide stable moral constraints and respect for persons, offering a solid framework for professional and legal ethics. Deontological reasoning remains influential in areas such as medical ethics, law, and discussions of rights and moral autonomy.