lecture 2 deontology

Question 1

deontology

Answer 1

we should act according to certain rules or duties (i.e. do not kill; protect the vulnerable) the conseqeunces do not matter in fact, sometimes doing the right thig will not have the best consequences

In the case of the terrorists child, a deontologist would accept that abstaining from torturing does not result in the best consequences but still wouldnt do it

Question 2

Deontology vs Utilitarianism

Answer 2

doing the right thing is the same as promoting the good: the good = pleasure

The right thing = act so the consequences maximize pleasure and minimize pain

In deontology the good and the right are independent of each other

Doing the right thing is acting according deontological constraints (rules, duties, divine command) which are not defined by what is good

Question 3

Deontology Kant

Answer 3

act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law

Follow rules that apply to everybody

Not a matter of consensus or do what you would like to happen to yourself

Follow rules that human beings universally will

Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end, but always at the same time as an end

Question 4

never treat rational beings as a mere means to an end: i.e. dont kill someone to get their organs

Answer 4

it does not look at the consequences

It looks at the fact that humans are valuable and have dignity

Action: kill someone to use their organs to save five people

the person killed is used as a mere means towards saving five people

you can use people as means i.e. you can call an internet operator and talk to them as a means to get your internet fixed, but not as a mere means (i.e. not be a karen)

Question 5

deontology making a promise example

Answer 5

making a promise
an utilitarian would keep the promise only if it maximized the good

A deontologist would keep the promise because promise itself bounds her by duty

Question 6

Deontological theories allow for the existence of

Answer 6

moral rights, which cannot be overridden by consequences

Every person has a right to live

Every person has a duty to respect moral rights (i.e. the right to live)

Rights are not absolute and can override each other

I may have a right to self defence if my life is threatened, meaning that I will be inflicting on someones right to live

But remember, it will never be because of the consequences