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Lecture 5.b

B. Deontological Theories
Ethics and • A deontological theory denies what a
Moral Philosophy teleological theory affirms. It affirms that the
right or obligatory or good act is not always
dependent of certain non-moral value
produced or the outcome of an act or rule.
Jove Jim S. Aguas
• It is dependent on other considerations other
than the outcome, like the command of God
or the state.
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Morality is ultimately based on the commands

1. Divine Command Theory - rightness is or character of God, and that the morally right
established by God, who either establishes
action is the one that God commands or
general moral laws and standards or
requires. The specific content of these divine
prescribes and prohibits particular actions;
commands varies according to the particular
and action is good or right if it conforms to
religion and the particular views of the
these laws, prescriptions and prohibitions.
individual divine command theorist.

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2. Natural Law Theory - moral standards exist

According to St. Thomas , the natural law is
in the very fabric or nature of the universe;
the way that the human being
an action is right if it conforms to these
“participates” in the eternal law. The
natural moral laws.
precepts of the natural law are universally
God is the giver of the natural law. Man is binding by nature and that the precepts of
recipient of the natural law; the natural law the natural law are universally knowable by
constitutes the principles of practical nature.
rationality, those principles by which human
action is to be judged as reasonable or
unreasonable.
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4. Social Contract Theory - rightness is a

3. Natural Rights Theory - human beings share
function of rules and institutions
certain basic rights which oblige us to treat
established in a society and implicitly or
one another in certain ways. Human rights
explicitly agreed to by its members for the
are universal rights, they are inalienable and
purpose of peaceful cooperation and
they inhere in the person as a human being. harmonious co-existence.
These rights include the right to life, liberty
and property.

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In some way, the agreement of all

individuals subject to collectively enforced 5. Categorical Imperative – morality can be
social arrangements shows that those summed up in an imperative, or ultimate
arrangements have some normative commandment of reason, from which all
property (they are legitimate, just, duties and obligations derive. It is an
obligating, etc. absolute, unconditional requirement that
The members of some society have reason must be obeyed in all circumstances and is
to endorse and comply with the justified as an end in itself.
fundamental social rules, laws, institutions,
and/or principles of that society.
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Nothing was good in itself except a good will The unconditional moral principle
and the will is the uniquely human capacity commands that one's behavior should
to act according to the concept of law or accord with universalizable maxims which
principles. The moral principles require us to respect persons as ends in themselves; the
fulfill our duties simply because those duties obligation to do one's duty for its own sake
make valid claims on us. and not in pursuit of further ends

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6. Prima Facie Duties. There are moral
guidelines that determine what we ought to
do, prima facie duty is an obligatory duty,
for example fidelity or keeping promises.
Other prima facie duties are reparation,
gratitude, non-injury, justice and self-
improvement.
7. Virtue Ethics - One should seek to develop
the character traits known as virtues and act
in accordance with them. Virtue theorists
stress the importance of developing good
habits of character, such as benevolence.
Once a person had acquired benevolence,
for example, he will then habitually act in a
benevolent manner.

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Discussion Questions
1. Do you think we should judge our actions based
on deontological consideration? Why?
2. What do you think is the most appropriate
deontological theory that we can apply to
abortion? Why?
3. In considering who should get priority in
medical care what possible deontological
theory can we apply?

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