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Philosophy vocabulary · Ethics and Moral Philosophy

Deontology

Meaning in philosophy, with examples

/ˌdiːɒnˈtɒlədʒi/nounCore term

In philosophy, deontology means: A family of ethical theories holding that some actions are right or wrong in themselves, because of duties or rules, whatever their consequences.

In Turkish: deontoloji, ödev etiği

How it is used

Most often linked to Kant. The adjective deontological is common (deontological ethics, deontological constraints). Deontologists hold, for example, that you may not lie or kill an innocent person even to bring about better results.

Example sentences

  1. Deontology explains why breaking a promise seems wrong even when breaking it would help.

  2. Kant's ethics is the standard example of a deontological theory.

Common collocations

  • Kantian deontology
  • deontological ethics
  • deontological constraint
  • deontology and consequentialism
  • categorical imperativeKant's supreme principle of morality: a command that binds every rational being unconditionally, whatever their desires or goals.
  • consequentialismThe view that whether an action is right or wrong depends only on its consequences, so the best action is the one with the best outcome.
  • utilitarianismAn ethical theory holding that the right action is the one that produces the greatest overall happiness or well-being for everyone affected.
  • ethicsThe branch of philosophy that studies right and wrong, good and bad, and how we ought to live and treat one another.

More terms: Ethics and Moral Philosophy

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