Understanding Deontology:

Understanding Deontology:

Deontology is an ethical theory that judges the morality of actions based on rules and duties rather than consequences. It is often associated with Immanuel Kant, who argued that moral principles should be universal and followed regardless of the outcome.

Key Principles of Deontology:
Moral Duty — Actions are right or wrong based on whether they adhere to moral rules.

Universalizability — If an action is morally right, it must be right for everyone in a similar situation (Kant’s Categorical Imperative).

Intentions Matter — The morality of an action depends on the intention behind it, not the consequences.

Respect for Persons — People should be treated as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end.

Example of Deontology in Action:
A deontologist would argue that lying is always wrong, even if it leads to a good outcome, because honesty is a moral duty.
Similarly, killing one person to save five might still be immoral, because it violates the duty not to kill, regardless of the greater good.
Shervan K Shahhian