Deontology Edexcel A Level

monistic (e.g. Kant)

pluralistic (e.g. W.D. Ross)

Divine Command Law (e.g. Decalogue)

contractualism (e.g. rules in school)

duty (e.g. obligations)

There is an objective moral law that exists in the universe. "Moral rules exist and they are binding" (Bowie's Ethical Studies). We use reason to work out the moral law. Reason is so important that Kant refers to it as the "sovereignty of reason".

Kant takes an a priori approach because we use reason to work out the moral law logically and no experience is needed. It is also synthetic because Kant believes that even though we don't use experience, the conclusion is not contained within the premises.

Kant takes an a priori approach because we use reason to work out the moral law logically and no experience is needed. It is also analytic because Kant believes that even though we don't use experience, the conclusion is contained within the premises.

There is an objective moral law that exists in nature.

Kant focuses on practical reason whereas Hume focuses on sentiments.

Kant is a rationalist and Hume is an empiricist.

Kant is an empiricist and Hume is a rationalist.

Kant focuses on theoretical reason.

For Kant, good will is when we use our will in a moral way. Good will is our motive and will always lead to moral acts since good will is unquestionably good and has intrinsic value.

Good will is not the only motive we can use. For example we could use the virtue of courage to motivate us to act morally.

According to Kant, we also need duty in order to avoid prudent self-interest. Therefore, we must do duty for duty's sake and not for any other reason.

Kant believes we should use natural inclination to help us act morally since it revolves around feelings.

Kant believes that all acts are good because of the right motives of good will and duty, which are dispassionate and universal.

the law of nature / universalisability

formula of end in itself

formula of the kingdom of ends

Everyone is equal because the categorical imperative focuses on having universal and fair moral commands that treat people with value.

Kant's Deontology is accessible to everyone because it uses reason.

Kant is cold and inhumane, making moral decision making simpler.

We are not dictated by God since morality leads to God. This perhaps promotes a more positive relationship with God, who rewards and praises us in the after-life rather than ordering us around.

By not focusing on feelings and emotions, we remain rational and are in control when making moral decisions.

Kant's Deontology doesn't consider the circumstances around the moral action.

Although Kant says we are autonomous moral agents, we are only free as long as we obey the the rules of the categorical imperative. This seems quite restrictive.

MacIntyre: We can use the universalisability principle in the categorical imperative to justify anything we want. This could lead to absurd rules and confusion.

Barclay: We need clear rules in order to avoid chaotic anarchy in society.

Nagel and Williams: Kant ignores the circumstances surrounding a moral action. We might think we are doing the morally right thing by following our duty but we may be causing harm. It isn't clear.

Kant's theory isn't well suited to the real world where complex decisions need to be made. Kant's Deontology is just too restrictive to be accessible to many in the modern world.

Although Kant says we are autonomous moral agents, we are only free as long as we obey the the rules of the categorical imperative. This seems quite restrictive.

MacIntyre: We can use the universalisability principle in the categorical imperative to justify anything we want. This could lead to absurd rules and confusion.

Barclay: We need clear rules in order to avoid chaotic anarchy in society.

Nagel and Williams: Kant ignores the circumstances surrounding a moral action. We might think we are doing the morally right thing by following our duty but we may be causing harm. It isn't clear.

Kant's theory isn't well suited to the real world where complex decisions need to be made. Kant's Deontology is just too restrictive to be accessible to many in the modern world.