Deontology Flashcards
What is meant by deontology ?
The study of what one must do. Deontology claims that actions are right or wrong in themselves, not depending on their consequences. We have moral duties to do things which it is right to do and moral duties not to do things which it is wrong to do.
What is meant by duty ?
Duties are obligations we have towards someone or something
What is meant by a first class duty
There are general duties we have towards anyone.
These are mostly prohibitions e.g do not lie/ murder
But some may be positive - help those in need.
What is meant by a second class duty
The duties we have because of our particular personal or social relationships.
If you have made a promise, you have a duty to keep it.
If you are a parent, you have a duty to pay for your son / daughter.
What does deontology claim about duties
We should be concerned with our duties, not their outcome.
Deontologiosts agree that we should not maximise the good because this could violate a duty.
Most deontologists argue that we on,y have a duty to something for people in need.
How does deontology determine right or wrong actions ?
We can determine it through the intention of the action as actions are results of choices. Choices are made for reasons with purpose in mind. Deontology argues that we cannot understand an action without understanding the intention. E.g accidental killing vs murder. Therefore we can only judge an action. Y intention.
What is a maxim
A principle that guides our decisions.
What’s meant by morality
A set of principles that are the same for everyone and that apply to everyone. It’s concerned with right and wrong, good and bad, in human action and in character.
What’s meant by the Will
Our ability to make choices and decisions. We can make choices on the basis of reasons, so our wills are rational.
What is Kane’s quote and what does it argue ?
Act only on the maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.
What does Kant say about choices
Kant says that our ability to make choices and decisions is known as the will. He assumes that our wills are rational ; that is we can make choices on the basis of reasons. We act on both instinct AND choice. And we consider what to do based on reason.
What does Kant believe about making decisions
Kant believes that we act on a maxim when we make decisions. Maxims are Kant version of intentions.
What does kant believe about morality
Kant believes that morality is a set of principles that is the same for everyone and devised by everyone.
What is the good will
The good will is the will that is motivated by duty, which Kant argues means that it chooses in accordance with reason. It is the only thing that is morally good without qualification.
What does Kant say about the only good being without ‘qualification’
Kant argues that only the “good will” is the only thing that is moral without qualification.
