Deontology

Synonyms

Moral theory based on duty; Universal moral maxims theory

Introduction

Deontology is a moral theory developed by Immanuel Kant (1724–1804). Deontology stipulates that what is morally good are moral maxims or moral rules that are capable of being rationally intuited, are universalizable and are true, and, to be followed through duty, are independent of the consequences of following the moral maxims.

Deontological Theory

Deontology is one of key theoretical moral theories that guide not only traditional Western moral theory but also influence the contemporary discussions and debates in business and professional ethics (see “Virtue Ethics and Utilitarianism”for alternative key moral theories). Immanuel Kant, the father of deontology, was a moral absolutist. He believed that moral maxims or ethical rules were rationally intuited as principled value statements that were recognizable by virtue of the universalizability of such maxims or rules. The most fundamental of these is the...