deontology
dee-on-TOL-uh-jee
/ˌdiː.ɒnˈtɒl.ə.dʒi/
The ethical theory that actions are inherently right or wrong based on adherence to rules and duties, regardless of their consequences.
Strict duty-based ethics; stands in direct opposition to consequentialism and utilitarianism.
The story behind the word. Coined by Jeremy Bentham in 1834 from Greek 'deon' (duty, that which is binding) and '-logia' (study). Ironically, while Bentham coined it to mean the general science of morality, philosophers now use it specifically for Kantian duty ethics, which Bentham rejected.
Word relationships
- duty-based ethics: Duty-based ethics is an accessible descriptive phrase; deontology is the technical philosophical label.
- consequentialism: Judges the moral worth of an act strictly by its outcomes rather than moral rules.
- utilitarianism: Judges moral choices by net utility produced rather than duties.
Commonly confused with
- teleology: Teleology evaluates morality by ultimate ends or goals; deontology evaluates morality by adherence to rules and duties.
Word family
- deontological (adjective): Relating to deontology or duty-based ethics
- deontologist (noun): A philosopher who adheres to deontology
Collocations
- Kantian deontology
- deontological ethics
- deontological constraint
- deontological duty
Example sentences
- "Under deontology, lying is held to be intrinsically wrong even if telling a lie would prevent significant distress, because lying violates a universal moral duty." Comparative Ethics
Memory hook
DEON-tology = DUTY-ology! Focus on your moral duty, regardless of consequences. Morality rooted strictly in duty.
When not to use
Do not use to describe routine everyday obligations; it is a specific philosophical term for rule-based moral duty (exemplified by Immanuel Kant).
Fun facts
- Although Bentham invented the word 'deontology', today it represents the primary rival philosophy that fiercely opposes Bentham's utilitarianism!
Related words
Explore more words
duty, observance, principled, propriety, ethical, utilitarian
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