Question

What is the problem with deontological or ontological ethics

Answer 1

Deontological ethics suggest that one should strictly follow moral rules and it is their duty to follow these rules and following them would lead to ethical decisions. Deontological ethics focus on whether the action itself is right or wrong rather than on the consequences brought by the action. It is also called rules based ethics because it emphasizes that everybody has to adhere to independent moral rules or duties. If we adhere to the moral principles which arise to us out of duty thwn we behave morally. So moral principles followed do not depend upon the consequences. If it is a moral principle to not lie then one should never lie even though the consequences may be that somebody might get hurt from the truth. The major limitation is that it does not take into consideration the consequences or the emotions of the decision. It is not necessary that all moral decisions have positive consequences. An action is considered ethical even if a part of it is ethical. This theory believes that already a part of an action should be ethical rather than the consequence itself.

Deontological ethics:

1. Emphasizes on the value of every human being.

2. It provides a basis for human rights.

3. It is important to obey the rules rather than worry about the outcomes.

For example being a software engineer I get to know a nuclear launch is about to happen. So even if i can hack the software and cancel the launch i should not do because it breaks my professional code of ethics and amounts to cheating and lying.