Deontology: Duty Based Ethics

Question 1

What is Kant’s Categorical Imperative?

Answer 1

• Act only in accordance with the maxim through which you can at the same time become a universal law (Agent Centred)
• Act so that you use humanity, in your own person or another, as an end not as a means (Patient centred)

Question 2

What is the difference between Kant’s CI and Rule Util.?

Answer 2

CI: Do not do it unless EVERYONE should do it. Looks at the motivation associated with the rule
-Cannot use people as a means to an end
RU: General rules are applied across the board to produce more happiness overall and cannot be broken even if they may not produce more happiness in a specific situation (even if there may be an exception which can bring about more happiness)
Looks at outcome of rule.
- Can use people as a means to an end

Question 3

What are the strengths of Deontology?

Answer 3

• Categorical prohibition against certain actions even when good consequences result (somethings are just wrong)
• We have permission to pursue our own projects free of a constant demand that these projects maximize utility (don’t need to maximize pleasure just don’t do wrong)

Question 4

Can duty based ethics be used along side utilitarianism?

Answer 4

Yes but only after all applicable categorical imperative derived moral norms are achieved.

Question 5

What are the two types of deontology?

Answer 5

Agent Centred and Patient Centred

Question 6

What is agent centred deontology?

Answer 6

• What matters is our intentions in combination with our actions.
• Keep ourselves from moral wrong doing but not concerned over other’s doing.
• We have agent-relative prerogatives and permissions (If a choice between saving my mother and a stranger I can choose my mother due to my prerogative)

Question 7

What are the critiques of Agent Centred Deontology?

Answer 7

• Selfish

- Doctrine of double effect (though my intent was not to kill why am I not just as guilty?)

Question 8

What is the doctrine of double effect?

Answer 8

If you have intent to do something good and you carry out this action with this intent in mind you may ignore any negative effects that are also caused.

Question 9

What is patient centred deontology?

Answer 9

Cannot use someone’s body, labour or talent for your own benefit.
-Focus on the fundamental rights of people not specific rights and is considered inviolable

Question 10

Scenario: A doctor could save 5 patients by killing another one and using her organs to save the 5 without her permission. What would a AU/ACD/PCD say?

Answer 10

AU: YES because the greater utility results (5 v 1)
ACD: If there is no intent to kill then YES it is considered ethical
PCD: NO because patient has not given permission thus is violates her basic rights

Question 11

Critiques for Patient centred Deontology?

Answer 11

• Killing done for no reason at all is prohibited

- Not helping someone is not a violation of their fundamental rights