Philosophy Applied Ethics Questions
Deontological ethics is a moral theory that focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, rather than the consequences of those actions. It is based on the idea that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their outcomes. This ethical framework is often associated with the philosopher Immanuel Kant.
An example of deontological ethics in a real-life scenario is the concept of truth-telling. According to deontological ethics, it is morally obligatory to always tell the truth, regardless of the consequences. For instance, imagine a scenario where a person is asked by their friend to lie to their boss about their whereabouts. A deontologist would argue that it is morally wrong to lie, even if it may prevent the friend from getting into trouble. In this case, the deontological principle of truth-telling takes precedence over the potential consequences of the action.