Question

7.2

Define and discuss the basic elements/theorists of Deontological ethical thought, and the subfields of Kantian ethics, Natural Law theory, and Divine Command theory. Explain the similarities in the approaches of all three schools of thought.

Answer 1

Deontological ethics:

This ethical philosophy is the one in which the normative position would be identified on the basis of the rules that have been laid down.this ethical aspect is also referred to as the ethics based on rules as well as obligations. In this ethics, actions are of prime importance and not the consequences. Some of the most widely used theories are:

• Kantian: Kant said that in order to be morally correct, people should be following their duties, and that the consequences would not be making an action correct or wrong, rather, it is the motive of committing an action that makes them correct or wrong.
• Natural law theory: this law states that there are some rights that have been as a virtue of god which would be understood in a universal manner and is referred to as being universal. This would be existing independent of understanding of humans and would be applicable to the society on a larger basis.
• Divine command theory: this is the theory that states that an action could be considered as correct if these have been decreed by god. This states that if god has commanded an action, it would be correct.