De Ontological Theory Of Ethics example essay topic

Deontological Theory of Ethics Introduction When ethics is explored, and an inquiry into its origin and sources are explored to find definition and clarity around ethics, one initial discovery will be that two main views on ethical behavior emerge. One of those theories is the de ontological theory of ethics. Ethics and ethical decisions surround themselves around what is the goodness or badness of any particular choice or decision. When exploring ethics, it is necessary to explore what are the different thoughts surrounding what framework is used to weigh this goodness and badness. Deontological Theory explores this very point. Defining Deontological Theory Deontological theories of ethics are almost synonymous with Kantianism, after a philosopher, Immanual Kant.

Although it must be noted that his views are simply one view of de ontological theory, which will be explored later in this paper, it is important to note his powerful influences here. Deontologists base their evaluation of actions in and of themselves. In other words, view actions without regard to consequences or potential outcomes of any given choice or action. Ethical decisions are made simply by viewing the intrinsic goodness or badness of the act itself. In a simple example, if lying were deemed an intrinsically unethical act, de ontologist would hold that lying would never be ethical, regardless of the potential outcome of telling a lie. (Cline n. d.) When viewing de ontological thought, one of the first questions that will appear is what framework or system is used to judge the inherent features within actions that determine whether or not they are right.

There are many different thoughts behind this question, but for the purpose of an initial definition of the concept, the influences that guide de ontological thought come from various sources, such as 'religion, biology, psychology, metaphysics, culture, language, etc. Considering the source of the foundation for the de ontological thought an act's duty may be absolute (without exception), overridden by a more important duty, or only hold under certain circumstances. The following sections will explore the different types of thought and theories that drive the foundation of de ontological thought. The first explored will be the most influential, Kant's Deontological Ethical System called the Categorical Imperative.

(Frankena 1973) Kant's Categorical Imperative Immanual Kant is one of the main Deontological Theorists. Kant's theories state that actions are only morally right when they are done out of duty. Kant describes these moral duties as unchanging and views them as laws for human behavior and conduct. Kant also holds that being a free being is essential to the ability to think rationally, which allows for morality. Without freedom, there cannot be moral thought and the person cannot be held responsible for acting ethically. (Action 1970) Kant's Categorical Imperative is a command formulated to express a general requirement for a moral law.

It is this moral law that is used to judge the inherent morality of an action. The Categorical Imperative has three main components that are required in order to judge an act as morally right. The three requirements are: (1) all persons can be willed to do it, (2) it enables us to treat others as the ends and not as means to our own selfish ends, and (3) it allows us to see others as mutual law makers. (Action 1970) Kant is one of the primary father's of de ontological theorists.

His theories are considered to be rule based. In other words, by using the Categorical Imperative, it was possible to create rules by which to guide human behavior. This would provide the ability for an individual to apply thought to a moral choice, and come up with the correct decision not by its outcome, but by applying the Categorical Imperative to determine the moral duty. (Action 1970) Other Types of Deontological Thought Another type of Deontological Ethics to consider is called Divine Command.

This is also considered de ontological thought because, once again, Divine Command is not concerned with the consequences of a moral choice. The key factor here is that the rules and constructs that mold ethical behavior are handed down by a deity, and in most references is termed to be handed down to man by God. This type of judgment can be applied to any number of religious influences, but primarily it is said to be a moral act as long as the behavior or choice is in agreement with the rules and commandments that are set forth by God. (Frankena 1973) There are other types of theories that can be viewed in the Deontological School and primarily their differences are surrounding where the rules and constructs that guide ethical behavior are derived from. Natural Law Theorists hold that behavior is ethical if it supports and agrees with the laws of nature. Other examples of de ontological theories would be contractual ism, rights theories, and duty theories.

In all of these, the formulation of the guidelines used to judge ethical behavior come from different sources. Contractual ism holds that an act is morally correct if it corresponds positively to rules that moral agents have constructed. Rights theorists hold that behavior is ethical if it respects the rights that all humans have in a given society. Duty theorists hold that behavior is deemed ethical if it holds true to a list of predetermined duties and obligations. (Cline n. d.) Criticisms of Deontological Theory One main challenge to Deontological thinking is that there is not clear foundation to solve problems in which two conflicting morals are considered. In an example in which a person is facing the decision to lie to save someone's life, there is a moral dilemma that cannot be solved through de ontological processes.

It would be deemed ethical to save someone's life, but unethical to lie. Another criticism to consider is the effect that time and worldly change can have on the de ontological system. Would the same ethical behavior be ethical today that was ethical in the 18th Century. For instance, it was ethical to hang people, stone people, or even behead people who opposed the laws of the land. A Contracutalist might hold this behavior as ethical. Would that hold true today?

Most would say that it would not. The question arises then if ethics can change. Most would agree that ethical behavior either is or is not. Ethics, by its design should not be dependent on time.

(Cline n. d.) Conclusion Ethics is a study that is very difficult to pinpoint and thoroughly understand. It is a multilayered and multifaceted conceptual study that can controversial for some because of all the overlapping influences on the essence of ethics. It is challenging for ethics to be examined without influences such as religion, politics, culture, race or other highly volatile topics also being raised. It even becomes more challenging to decipher what viewpoint is right about the topic of making moral choices, or the choice that is right. Who is right about what is right?

It can baffle the mind and find you thinking and speaking in circles. The de ontological viewpoint of ethics is a theory that has tried to place definition on a theory that is indefinable. Although the criticisms are heavy and forthright in regards to de ontological ethics, their foundation is truly essential in the discovery and exploration of ethics.

Bibliography

Action, H.B. Kant's Moral Philosophy. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1970.
Cline, A., (n. d. ). Deontological Ethics. Retrieved March 18, 2005, from web Frankena, W.
K., Ethics, (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1973).
Warner, D.W., The Basis for Ethical Conduct, (Alberton University, 2002).