Chapter 4

DEONTOLOGY
Kantian Ethics
By: Immanuel Kant
Introduction
What is ethics? = It is the study of the morality of
human actions.
But what is morality of human actions? = it is
whether an action is right or wrong/ Good or bad?
Right or wrong actions = when actions do or do not
follow a norm/standard.
Good or bad actions = when actions do or do not
fulfil an end/purpose (Norm).
 Introduction
Ethics is the morality of human actions.
What are human actions?

ACTS of Man VERSUS Human ACTS

Non-voluntary Voluntary Acts
Standing* Studying
Closing and opening of eyes Peeping through the window
Coughing Coughing*
Taking something* Stealing
Introduction
What are norms or standards where we based
the morality of human actions?
These are established practices, ideas, theories,
way of life that sets what is right or wrong good
or bad.
Culture, religion, law, self Moral Relativism
Utilitarianism … Natural Law …. DEONTOLOGY
Deontology Defined Literally
 Greek: δέον = binding, necessary (etymology)
= duty—what one ‘owes’ to others
= owe—obliged to pay
= obligation  Latin: ligare—‘to tie/bind’

 Deontology = literally, the study of

duty/obligation
Deontology Defined Formally
 DEONTOLOGY = formally, a moral theory which asserts
that the morality of an action is based on rules
governing duties rather than consequences of an
action or motives of the agent.
 Rule-based
 Duty-based
 Obligation-based
 Action is more important than consequences in
determining the moral quality of an action.
Duty and Agency
 Faculty of RATIONAL WILL = the capacity to 1) act
according to 2) self-determined 3) principles.

ANIMALS HUMANS
instincts/impulses/drives instincts/impulses/drives

immediacy mediation
animal actions human actions