Deontology -

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 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."

At its core, deontology comes from the Greek word deon , meaning "duty." Unlike consequentialism (like Utilitarianism), which judges an act by its results, deontology focuses on the and the act itself . For a deontologist, doing the right thing is a matter of following a moral law, even if doing so results in a less desirable outcome for the majority. Kant and the Categorical Imperative Deontology

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

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

Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law. In other words, if you wouldn't want everyone else to do it (like lying or stealing), you shouldn't do it yourself.

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. By shifting the focus from unpredictable consequences to

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