SLIDE # 2: Derived from the Greek Word “deon” meaning duty.

The word deontology comes from the words "deon" which is a Greek word which means "duty."
In simple terms, duty refers to something that someone is expected or required to do. It is
responsibility or task that you need to fulfill. When we talk about duty, we are talking about a
sense of obligation or commitment to perform a specific action or follow a certain set of rules. It
is a concept deeply rooted in the idea of doing what is necessary or morally right, often driven
by a sense of duty to others or to oneself. So, when we use the word "” duty," we are looking at
the fundamental idea of having certain responsibilities or obligations that we need to fulfill.

• SLIDE # 3: Deontology is a moral theory that encompasses any theory which

is primarily concerned with adherence to certain rules or duty.

When we speak about deontology, Deontology is a moral theory that focuses on following
specific rules or duties. In here class, it suggests that what is morally right or wrong is
determined by whether a person adheres to certain rules or duties. Unlike any other moral
theories that considers the consequences of actions, deontology places an importance on the
inherent nature of an action itself. The main idea of deontology is that certain principles or rules
exist, and individuals have a moral obligation to act in accordance with these principles,
regardless of the potential outcomes. So, when we talk about deontology, we are talking about a
perspective on morality that centers around the importance of sticking to rules and fulfilling
one's duties as a basis for determining what is morally right or wrong.

In deontology, a promise is a very good example when applying this theory. If

you make a promise to someone, the moral duty is to keep that promise,
regardless of the situation or potential consequences. In deontology your role
in fulfilling the duty of keeping a promise is considered morally right, while
breaking the promise is viewed as morally wrong, irrespective of the outcomes
or circumstances involved.

SLIDE # 4 Deontology hold actions that are morally right are those in accordance with
certain rules , duties, rights or maxims.
Class, deontology claims that actions are morally right when they are align with specific rules,
duties, rights, or principles. This means that whether an action is considered morally good or
bad depends on whether it follows these guidelines, rather than focusing on the outcomes or
consequences of the action. The emphasis is on adhering to a set of rules or principles that are
deemed morally correct, regardless of the particular situation or results that may arise from the
action. In essence, deontology centers on the belief that certain actions are inherently right or
wrong based on whether they conform to established moral standards.

Actions can be morally good, required, permitted or forbidden.

Actions, according to the theory of deontology, can fall into different categories. They can be
seen as morally good, meaning, they align with what is considered right. Some actions are
required, indicating a sense of obligation or duty to perform them. There are also actions that
are permitted, meaning they are allowed but not necessarily required or encouraged. On the
other hand, certain actions are forbidden, indicating that they are considered morally wrong or
not allowed based on established principles or rules. In summary, when we talk about actions in
the realm of morality, they can be judged as good, required, permitted, or forbidden, depending
on how they align with accepted standards of right and wrong.

SLIDE # 5

MAIN IDEA
Immanuel Kant said that the main idea of deontology is that what is right or wrong is
determined by reason, specifically rationality. In this ethical theory class,, there are universal
duties or principles that apply to everyone, regardless of the situation or individual preferences.
The emphasis is on acting in accordance with these rational and universal duties. Deontology
tells us that there are certain moral principles that exist and that individuals have a duty to
follow these principles, guided by rational thinking, to determine the morality of their actions.
The focus on rationality and universal duties distinguishes deontology from other ethical
theories that might prioritize outcomes or personal preferences.

SLIDE # 6 : Under the supreme principle of morality of Deontology

Good and Evil are defined in terms of Law / Duty / Obligation. Rationality and Freedom
are also central. ( explain using simple words, dont add examples such as imagine etc.,)

the concept of good and evil according to deontology is tied to concepts like law, duty, and
obligation. What is considered good is often in alignment with following the law, fulfilling one's
duties, and meeting obligations. Additionally, rationality, or thinking in a logical and reasoned
way, determines what is morally right. Freedom is also important, suggesting that individuals
have the freedom to choose their actions but within the idea of adhering to their duties and
obligations. So, in deontology, the ideas of good and evil are connected to following moral laws
and duties, acting with rationality, and recognizing the importance of individual freedom within
the context of ethical responsibilities.

SLIDE # 7:

UNIVERSAL CONFORMITY" -- "I SHOULD NEVER ACT EXCEPT IN SUCH A WAY that I can
also will that my maxim should become a universal law".

According to Kant, a good will is established through "universal conformity." This means that
one should only act in a way that they could also will or want the guiding principle of their
action to become a universal law applicable to everyone. In here, for an action to be morally
right, the guiding rule or maxim behind that action should be something the person would be
willing to see adopted as a rule for everyone to follow. The idea is to ensure that the principles
guiding our actions are such that they could be universally accepted and applied without any
contradiction or conflict.

CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE = PRINCIPLE OF UNIVERSALIZABILITY

• THE BASIC IDEA IS THAT WE SHOULD ADOPT AS ACTION-GUIDING RULES

(I.E.,MAXIMS) ONLY THOSE THAT CAN BE UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTED.

Kant, establishes a good will is the Categorical Imperative, specifically the Principle of
Universalizability. This principle suggests that we should only adopt rules as guides for our
actions that could be universally accepted. In simpler terms, Kant is saying that for an action to
be morally right, the rule or principle behind it should be something that everyone could follow
without any contradiction or problem. It's about choosing rules that could make sense if
everyone followed them, emphasizing a universal acceptance of the principles guiding our
actions. This universalizability is a key element in determining what is morally right according to
Kant's philosophy.

SLIDE # 8 : RIGHTS BASED THEORY OF KANT

SLIDE # 9 : We are to act in accordance with a set of moral rights, which we possess simply by being
human.

,According to the rights based theory of Immanuel Kant, it states that we should behave in ways
that align with a set of moral rights that every person inherently has acquired. These rights are
considered fundamental and don't depend on specific circumstances or conditions. The idea is
that, as human beings, we possess certain inherent moral entitlements, and our actions should
respect and uphold these rights. It emphasizes a basic and universal understanding of morality
that applies to all individuals simply by virtue of being human.

The basic idea is that if someone has a right, then others have a corresponding duty to
provide what the right requires.

Furthermore, Immanuel Kant mentioned that the fundamental concept here class is that if a
person has a right, it means that others have a duty to fulfill whatever that right demands or
needs. In other words, when someone possesses a certain entitlement or claim, it imposes an
obligation on others to ensure that the conditions or requirements of that right are met. This
idea establishes a relationship between rights and duties, suggesting that recognizing and
respecting someone's rights implies a responsibility for others to take the necessary actions or
provide what is required to uphold those rights.

SLIDE # 10

Positive rights is one in which the corresponding duty requires positive action, e.g., giving
a charitable donation in order to sustain someone's right to life, shelter, education, etc.

Negative rights is one in which the corresponding duty merely requires refraining from
doing something that will harm someone.

Moving on class to positive and negative rights. Immanuel Kant mentioned that
Positive rights involve duties that require active and positive steps. This means that to fulfill or
support someone's positive right, people need to take constructive actions. For example, giving
a charitable donation to help sustain someone's right to life, shelter, education, or other essential
needs. In positive rights, it's not about refraining from doing harm but actively contributing to
ensure that certain rights are realized or maintained. It emphasizes the idea that fulfilling these
rights may involve taking positive measures to improve someone's well-being or provide
necessary resources.

On the other hand Kants states that Negative rights involve duties that only require refraining
from doing something that would harm someone. To uphold a negative right, individuals simply
need to avoid actions that could harm or interfere with the rights of others. It's about abstaining
from certain behaviors or actions that might negatively impact someone's well-being or
freedom. Unlike positive rights that involve active steps to fulfill certain needs, negative rights
focus on the idea that respecting someone's rights often involves a kind of non-interference,
where individuals refrain from actions that could violate those rights.