Deontology: History, Importance, and Key Principles (Term Paper Sample)

Deontology from a Duty-Based Ethical Approach
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Introduction
Definition of Deontology
Deontology is a moral theory that is based on the idea of duty or obligation. This approach to ethics posits that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences. Deontological theories are grounded in the belief that individuals have certain moral duties that they must fulfill and that these duties should guide their actions. In deontological ethics, moral rules apply to everyone, regardless of the situation or context, and these rules are not subject to negotiation or compromise (Yönden et al., 2016). The moral worth of an action is determined by the degree to which it conforms to these universal rules and duties. The central idea behind Deontology is that morality is about respecting and fulfilling our duty rather than pursuing particular outcomes or consequences.
A brief history of Deontology
Deontology as a philosophical approach to ethics has its roots in the works of philosophers like Immanuel Kant and William Whewell in the 18th and 19th centuries. Immanuel Kant is regarded as the most important figure in the development of deontological ethics. His influential work "Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals," published