04/10 Deontological Ethics Free Online FlashCards

What does deontological ethics primarily evaluate?

Deontological ethics evaluates actions primarily by whether they conform to duties, rules, rights, or principles, rather than solely by their consequences.

How does deontology contrast with consequentialism?

Deontology gives priority to the right over the good: desirable outcomes do not automatically justify violating a moral rule.

What distinguishes negative from positive duties?

Negative duties require refraining from actions such as lying, stealing, coercing, or killing; positive duties require active assistance or support.

How do perfect and imperfect duties differ?

A perfect duty is strict and specific, while an imperfect duty requires pursuing a moral end but leaves discretion about when and how to fulfill it.

What is a prima facie duty?

A prima facie duty normally applies but may be overridden when it conflicts with a stronger duty in a particular situation.

How do hypothetical and categorical imperatives differ?

A hypothetical imperative applies conditionally to achieve a goal; a categorical imperative commands unconditionally, regardless of a person’s desires or goals.

What is Kant’s universal-law formulation?

The universal-law formulation says: “Act only according to a maxim that you can at the same time will to become a universal law.”

What is a maxim in Kantian ethics?

A maxim is the principle or policy on which a person acts. Universalizability tests whether that maxim could consistently function as a universal moral law.

What does it mean to treat humanity as an end?

Treating humanity as an end means recognizing each person’s independent value, purposes, rational agency, and capacity for autonomous choice.

When is using another person morally problematic?

Using someone as a means is not always wrong; the problem is treating them merely as a means through deception, coercion, manipulation, or exploitation.

What is a right in deontological ethics?

A right is a justified claim or protected sphere of freedom that places duties on others, such as duties not to assault or unjustifiably intrude.

What steps structure deontological reasoning?

A deontological analysis identifies the action, proposed maxim, relevant duties and rights, universalizability, respect for persons, conflicts, and a qualified conclusion.