Deontology -

Certain actions are strictly prohibited. For instance, if "do not lie" is a moral rule, a deontologist would argue against lying even to save a life, because the act of lying is inherently wrong.

It focuses on the obligations of the individual person. My duty is to ensure my actions are moral, regardless of what others do.

The most influential figure in deontology is Immanuel Kant. He proposed that morality is derived from reason and that we have a "Categorical Imperative"—a moral law that is unconditional and applies to everyone. Kant offered several formulations of this imperative: Deontology

Deontology provides a stable framework for morality that protects individual rights and promotes personal integrity. By shifting the focus from unpredictable consequences to the clarity of duty and respect for others, it ensures that human dignity is never sacrificed for the "greater good."

Deontology is a school of ethical thought that defines the morality of an action based on its adherence to rules or duties, rather than the consequences of that action. Often summarized as "duty-based ethics," it argues that some actions are inherently right or wrong regardless of their outcomes. The Foundation of Duty Certain actions are strictly prohibited

The primary critique of deontology is its perceived rigidity. The "inquireing murderer" thought experiment asks: if a killer asks where your friend is hiding, is it wrong to lie? A strict Kantian might say yes, which feels counterintuitive to many. Additionally, deontology can struggle when two duties conflict—such as the duty to keep a promise versus the duty to help someone in need. Conclusion

Modern deontology often emphasizes human rights. If someone has a "right" to life, it is your "duty" not to kill them, no matter the circumstances. Criticisms and Complexity My duty is to ensure my actions are

Treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of another, always as an end and never merely as a means to an end. This forbids using people as "tools" to achieve a goal. Key Characteristics of Deontological Ethics