Ethics Term of the Week #2: Deontology

Deontology is one of many ethical disciplines where it is believed that one must act by set rules or norms. Instead of considering the consequences of actions, deontologists such as Immanuel Kant believe that adhering to bylaws removes the uncertainties behind the decision process. However, this approach has its shortcomings in that it is an inflexible way of thinking and may prevent the possible benefits of breaking rules. For example, is it immoral to lie about the location of a friend to someone trying to murder them? Kant believed so. 

References

Deontology. Ethics Unwrapped. (2022, November 5). Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/deontology