Essay on Deontological Moral Theory

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Deontological moral theory is a Non-Consequentialist moral theory. While consequentialists believe the ends always justify the means, deontologists assert that the rightness of an action is not simply dependent on maximizing the good, if that action goes against what is considered moral. It is the inherent nature of the act alone that determines its ethical standing. For example, imagine a situation where there are four critical condition patients in a hospital who each need a different organ in order to survive. Then, a healthy man comes to the doctor's office for a routine check-up. According to consequentialism, not deontology, the doctor should and must sacrifice that one man in order to save for others. Thus, maximizing the good. …show more content…
Thus, it takes no self-interest into account and does not look enough at each individual. It is natural to look at the action one must take in order to produce the result rather than simply looking at the end result. Although deontology at times appears to be counter intuitive, the theory holds the fewest flaws of any of the utilitarian theories. When one makes a decision it is clear that the decision is not made impersonally. One puts great weight and emphasis on their own self worth and personal capital. Although logically one would like to maximize the good, most are not ready to kill an innocent being in order to do so. Therefore, morals and the means of achieving the end result must be taken into account. Always maximizing the good would be far too demanding and individuals would not benefit themselves. So, it can be concluded that the arguments rebutting deontological theory are not as strong as the arguments supporting deontology. Also, if each individual was a deontologist and theories we have studied such as consequentilism. Deontologists are not slaves of maximization. They simple must uphold certain morals that would overall benefit society. Although there are instances where deontology fails, the examples given are generally unrealistic. Such as if one were to tell just one lie it would prevent the entire world from never lying again. This example even shows how each of us
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