Deontological Ethics

• Deontology: derives from Greek words for duty (deon) and study (logos).
• Normative Theories: Assess choices as morally required, forbidden, or permitted.
• Deontology vs. Consequentialism:
  • Deontology evaluates choices based on their adherence to duty rather than consequences.
  • Consequentialism evaluates choices based on the states of affairs they produce.

Deontology’s Foil: Consequentialism

• Consequentialism: Focuses on maximizing "the Good" by assessing the outcomes of actions.
• Criticisms of Consequentialism:
  • Demandingness: No realm of moral permissions or supererogation.
  • Over-Permissiveness: Allows harmful acts if they lead to greater overall good.

Deontological Theories

• Judge morality by criteria other than the consequences of actions.
• Agent-Centered Theories: Focus on personal duties and permissible actions.
  • Intention and Action: Distinguish between intentions, actions, and their moral significance.
  • Doctrine of Double Effect: Permissible to cause harm as an unintended side effect.

Agent-Centered vs. Patient-Centered

• Agent-Centered: Duties focus on the agent's intentions and actions.
• Patient-Centered: Rights-based focus on not using others as a means without consent.

Contractualist Deontological Theories

• Based on social contract principles.
• Consent and Agreement: Acts are wrong if they violate agreements in a social contract.

Kant and Deontology

• Emphasis on duty and moral laws derived from rationality.

Advantages of Deontological Theories

• Moral Intuitions: Aligns with common moral intuitions about duties.
• Agent Freedom: Allows focus on personal projects and relationships without constant demand for maximizing good.

Disadvantages of Deontological Theories

• Paradox of Deontology: Violating one duty might prevent more future violations, raising a paradox.
• Conflict of Duties: Difficulty resolving direct conflicts between deontological duties.
• Moral Catastrophes: Addressing scenarios where adherence to deontological norms leads to disastrous outcomes.

Deontology vs. Consequentialism Reconsidered

• Mixed Theories: Attempt to combine elements of both deontology and consequentialism.
• Pure Deontological Rationality: Some argue for maintaining strict adherence to deontological principles to preserve its moral reasoning.

Uncertainty About Outcomes

• Newer discussions about how to handle situations where the outcomes of actions are uncertain.

Metaethics and Deontology

• Deontological theories are normative and do not depend on a specific metaethical foundation.
• More compatible with non-naturalist metaethical views.

These notes summarize key points on deontological ethics, focusing on its contrast with consequentialism, main theories, advantages, and criticisms. They also address ongoing debates and newer discussions in the field.