View source for Deontology

{{Short description|Class of ethical theories}}
{{Redirect|Deontic|the linguistic term|Linguistic modality}}
{{Distinguish|Ontology}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}

In [[moral philosophy]], '''deontological ethics''' or '''deontology''' ({{etymology|grc|''{{wikt-lang|grc|δέον}}'' ({{grc-transl|δέον}})|duty, obligation||''{{wikt-lang|grc|-λογία}}'' ({{grc-transl|[[-logy|-λογία]]}})|study of}}) is the [[normative ethics|normative ethical]] theory that the [[morality]] of an action should be based on whether that action itself is right or wrong under a series of rules and principles, rather than based on the consequences of the action.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.yourdictionary.com/deontology | title=Deontology dictionary definition &#124; deontology defined}}</ref> It is sometimes described as [[duty]]-, [[obligation]]-, or rule-based ethics.<ref name="Waller, Bruce N 2005">{{cite book|first=Bruce N.|last=Waller|authorlink=Bruce Waller|date=2005|title=Consider Ethics: Theory, Readings, and Contemporary Issues|publisher=[[Pearson Longman]]|location=London, England|isbn=978-0205017737|page=23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Deontology|url=https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/deontology|website=Ethics Unwrapped|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-27}}</ref> Deontological ethics is commonly contrasted to [[utilitarianism]]<ref name="mw-trolley">{{cite web|title=Next Stop: 'Trolley Problem'|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/trolley-problem-moral-philosophy-ethics |website=Merriam-Webster|access-date=25 July 2023}}</ref> and other [[consequentialist]] theories,<ref>{{cite book|first=Antony|last=Flew|authorlink=Antony Flew|date=1979|chapter=Consequentialism|page=73|title=A Dictionary of Philosophy|edition=2nd|publisher=[[St. Martin's Press]]|location=New York City|isbn=978-0312209230}}</ref> [[virtue ethics]],<ref>{{cite book |editor-first1=David |editor-last1=Carr |editor-first2=Jan |editor-last2=Steutel |year=1999 |title=Virtue Ethics and Moral Education |publisher=Routledge |page=22 |isbn=9780415170734}}</ref> and [[pragmatic ethics]].<ref>{{cite book |last=LaFollette |first=Hugh |date=2000 |editor-last=LaFollette |editor-first=Hugh |chapter=Pragmatic ethics |title=The Blackwell guide to ethical theory |series=Blackwell philosophy guides |location=Oxford, UK; Malden, MA |publisher=[[Wiley-Blackwell]] |pages=400–419 |isbn=9780631201182 |oclc=41645965 |chapter-url=http://www.hughlafollette.com/papers/pragmati.htm}}</ref> In the deontological approach, the inherent rightfulness of actions is considered more important than their consequences.

The term ''deontological'' was first used to describe the current, specialised definition by [[C. D. Broad]] in his 1930 book, ''Five Types of Ethical Theory''.<ref>{{cite book|first=Tom L.|last=Beauchamp|authorlink=Tom Beauchamp|date=1991|title=Philosophical Ethics: An Introduction to Moral Philosophy|publisher=[[McGraw Hill]]|location=New York City|isbn=978-0070042568|page=171}}</ref> Older usage of the term goes back to [[Jeremy Bentham]], who coined it prior to 1816 as a [[synonym]] of ''dicastic'' or ''censorial ethics'' (i.e., ethics based on judgement).<ref>[[Jeremy Bentham|Bentham, Jeremy]]. 1816. ''Chrestomathia''. London. [[iarchive:chrestomathiabe00bentgoog/page/n285|p. 213–14]]:

"For a synonym, ''Dicastic Ethics'' may have the single-worded [[Appelative|appellative]] ''Deontology''.'''*'''"

'''Corresponding footnote''': "'''*'''[''Deontology''.] From two Greek words, the first of which signifies ''fit, fitting, right, becoming, proper''. Deontology—an account or indication of that which, on the occasion in question, whatsoever it be, is—(i.e. by him who speaks or writes, is regarded as being)—''fit, fitting, becoming, proper''. It is in ''sound'' only, and not in ''signification'', that it has any connexion with the word [''[[ontology]]''],<!--misprinted as outology  --> employed above. Applied to every branch of Ethics, taken in the largest sense of the word ''Ethics'', the use of such a word as ''Deontology'' affords a promise of being attended with considerable convenience. It will accord equally well with every system which ever has been, or ever can be, devised, in relation to the foundation of moral obligation :—in the use of it, no such incongruity and presumption is involved, as that which is called ''[[petitio principii]]''—i.e. a begging of the question—an assumption of the matter in dispute."</ref><ref>[[Jeremy Bentham|Bentham, Jeremy]]. 1834. ''Deontology or, The Science of Morality'', edited by [[John Bowring|J. Bowring]]. London: [[Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, Green and Longmans|Longman, Rees, Orme, Browne, Green, and Longman]]. p. [https://archive.org/stream/deontologyorthes01bentuoft#page/21/mode/2up 21]: "Deontology is derived from the Greek words, {{Langx|grc|το δεον|label=none}} (that which is proper) and {{Langx|grc|Λογια|label=none}}, knowledge – meaning the knowledge of what is right and proper; and it is here specially applied to the subject of morals, or that part of the field of action which is not the object of public legislation. As an art, it is the doing what is fit to be done; as a science, the knowing what is fit to be done on every occasion."</ref> The more general sense of the word is retained in [[French language|French]], especially in the term ''code de déontologie'' ([[ethical code]]), in the context of [[professional ethics]].

Depending on the system of deontological ethics under consideration, a ''moral obligation'' may arise from an external or internal source, such as a set of rules inherent to the universe ([[ethical naturalism]]), [[religious law]], or a set of personal or cultural [[Value (personal and cultural)|values]] (any of which may be in conflict with personal desires).

==Deontological philosophies==
There are numerous formulations of deontological ethics.

===Kantianism===
{{Main|Kantian ethics}}
[[File:Immanuel Kant portrait c1790.jpg|thumb|[[Immanuel Kant]]|right]]
[[Immanuel Kant]]'s theory of ethics is considered deontological for several different reasons.<ref>[[Brian Orend|Orend, Brian]]. 2000. ''War and International Justice: A Kantian Perspective''. West Waterloo, Ontario: [[Wilfrid Laurier University Press]]. p. 19.</ref><ref>Kelly, Eugene. 2006. ''The Basics of Western Philosophy''. Greenwood Press. p. 160.</ref> First, Kant argues that in order to act in the morally right way, people must act from [[duty]] ({{lang|de|Pflicht}}).<ref>
{{Cite book|first=Immanuel|last=Kant|authorlink=Immanuel Kant|translator-first=Thomas Kingsmill|translator-last=Abbott|translator-link=Thomas Kingsmill Abbott|date=1889|chapter=The Metaphysical Elements of Ethics|url=http://www.zeno.org/Philosophie/M/Kant,+Immanuel/Die+Metaphysik+der+Sitten/Zweiter+Teil.+Metaphysische+Anfangsgr%C3%BCnde+der+Tugendlehre|title=Metaphysische Anfangsgründe der Tugendlehre|orig-date=1797|language=de|quote=Abbott's ''deontology'' translates Kant's {{lang|de|Pflichtenlehre}}.}}</ref> Second, Kant argued that it was not the consequences of actions that make them right or wrong, but the motives of the person who carries out the action.

Kant's first argument begins with the premise that the [[Summum bonum|highest good]] must be both good in itself and good without qualification.<ref name="transition">{{cite book|first=Immanuel|last=Kant|authorlink=Immanuel Kant|date=1785|chapter=Transition from the Common Rational Knowledge of Morals to the Philosophical|title=[[Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals]]}}</ref> Something is "'''good in itself'''" when it is [[intrinsic value (ethics)|intrinsically good]]; and is "'''good without qualification'''" when the addition of that thing never makes a situation ethically worse. Kant then argues that those things that are usually thought to be good, such as [[intelligence]], [[wikt:perseverance|perseverance]], and [[pleasure]], fail to be either intrinsically good or good without qualification. Pleasure, for example, appears not to be good without qualification, because when people take pleasure in watching someone suffer, this seems to make the situation ethically worse. He concludes that there is only one thing that is truly good:

{{Quote|Nothing in the world—indeed nothing even beyond the world—can possibly be conceived which could be called good without qualification except a ''good will''.<ref name="transition"/>}}

Kant then argues that the consequences of an act of willing cannot be used to determine that the person has a good will; good consequences could arise by accident from an action that was motivated by a desire to cause harm to an innocent person, and bad consequences could arise from an action that was well-motivated. Instead, he claims, a person has a good will when they "act out of respect for the moral law".<ref name="transition" /> People "act out of respect for the moral law" when they act in some way ''because'' they have a duty to do so. Thus, the only thing that is truly good in itself is a good will, and a good will is only good when the willer chooses to do something because it is that person's duty; i.e., out of respect for the law. He defines ''[[respect]]'' as "the concept of a worth which thwarts my [[self-love]]".<ref>[[Kant, Immanuel]]. 1785. ''[https://www.gutenberg.org/files/5682/5682-h/5682-h.htm Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals]'' (10th ed.), translated by [[Thomas Kingsmill Abbott|T. K. Abbott]]. [[Project Gutenberg]]. p. 23.</ref>

Kant's three significant formulations of the [[categorical imperative]] (a way of evaluating motivations for action) are:
* Act only according to that [[Maxim (philosophy)|maxim]] by which you can also will that it would become a [[universal law]];
* Act in such a way that you always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never simply as a means, but always at the same time as an end;
* Every rational being must so act as if he were through his maxim always a legislating member in a universal [[Kingdom of Ends|kingdom of ends]].

Kant argued that the only [[moral absolutism|absolutely good]] thing is a good will, and so the single determining factor of whether an action is morally right is the will, or motive of the person doing it. If they are acting on a bad maxim—e.g., "I will lie"—then their action is wrong, even if some good consequences come of it.

In his essay, "[[On a Supposed Right to Lie Because of Philanthropic Concerns]]", arguing against the position of [[Benjamin Constant]], {{lang|fr|Des réactions politiques}}, Kant states that:<ref>{{lang|de|italic=no|[http://www.zeno.org/nid/20009192123 "Über ein vermeintes Recht aus Menschenliebe zu lügen"]}}, {{lang|de|Berlinische Blätter}} 1 (1797), 301–314; edited in: {{lang|de|Werke in zwölf Bänden}}, vol. 8, Frankfurt am Main (1977).</ref>

{{quote|Hence a lie defined merely as an intentionally untruthful declaration to another man does not require the additional condition that it must do harm to another, as jurists require in their definition ({{lang|la|mendacium est falsiloquium in praeiudicium alterius}}). For a lie always harms another; if not some human being, then it nevertheless does harm to humanity in general, inasmuch as it vitiates the very source of right [{{Langx|de|[[sources of law|Rechtsquelle]]|label=none}}].&nbsp;... All practical principles of right must contain rigorous truth.&nbsp;... This is because such exceptions would destroy the universality on account of which alone they bear the name of principles.}}

===Divine command theory===
{{Main|Divine command theory}}
Although not all deontologists are religious, some believe in the ''divine command theory'', which is actually a cluster of related theories that essentially state that an action is right if [[God]] has decreed that it is right.<ref>Wierenga, Edward. 1983. "A Defensible Divine Command Theory". ''[[Noûs]]'' 17(3):387–407.</ref> According to English philosopher [[Ralph Cudworth]], [[William of Ockham]], [[René Descartes]], and 18th-century [[Calvinists]] all accepted various versions of this moral theory, as they all held that moral obligations arise from God's commands.<ref>[[Ralph Cudworth|Cudworth, Ralph]]. [1731] 1996. ''A Treatise Concerning Eternal and Immutable Morality'', edited by S. Hutton. Cambridge: [[Cambridge University Press]].</ref>

The ''divine command theory'' is a form of deontology because, according to it, the rightness of any action depends upon that action being performed because it is a duty, not because of any good consequences arising from that action. If God commands people not to work on [[Biblical Sabbath|Sabbath]], then people act rightly if they do not work on Sabbath ''because God has commanded that they do not do so''. If they do not work on Sabbath because they are lazy, then their action is not, truly speaking, "right" even though the actual physical action performed is the same.

One thing that clearly distinguishes [[Kantian ethics|Kantian deontologism]] from divine command deontology is that Kantianism maintains that man, as a rational being, makes the moral law universal, whereas divine command maintains that God makes the moral law universal.

===Ross's deontological pluralism===
[[W. D. Ross]] objects to Kant's monistic deontology, which bases ethics in only one foundational principle, the [[categorical imperative]]. He contends that there is a plurality (7, although this number is seen to vary to interpretation) of [[Prima facie#Use in academic philosophy|prima facie duties]] determining what is right.<ref name="Skelton">{{cite web |last1=Skelton |first1=Anthony |title=William David Ross |url=https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/william-david-ross/ |website=The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy |publisher=Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University |access-date=12 January 2021 |date=2012}}</ref><ref name="Ross">{{cite book |last1=Ross |first1=W. D. |title=The Right and the Good |date=2002 |orig-date=1930 |publisher=Clarendon Press |url=https://philpapers.org/rec/STRTRA-4}}</ref>{{rp|xii}}

These duties are identified by W. D. Ross:

# ''the duty of fidelity'' (to keep promises and to tell the truth)
# ''the duty of reparation'' (to make amends for wrongful acts) 
# ''the duty of gratitude'' (to return kindnesses received)
# ''the duty of non-injury'' (not to hurt others)
# ''the duty of beneficence'' (to promote the maximum of aggregate good)
# ''the duty of self-improvement'' (to improve one's own condition)
# ''the duty of justice'' (to distribute benefits and burdens equably).<ref name="Ross" />{{rp|21–25}}<ref name="Simpson">{{cite web |last1=Simpson |first1=David L. |title=William David Ross |url=https://iep.utm.edu/ross-wd/ |website=Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy |access-date=12 January 2021}}</ref> 

One problem the deontological pluralist has to face is that cases can arise where the demands of one duty violate another duty, so-called [[moral dilemmas]].<ref name="Borchert">{{cite encyclopedia |last1=Borchert |first1=Donald |encyclopedia=Macmillan Encyclopedia of Philosophy |edition=2nd |date=2006 |publisher=Macmillan |url=https://philpapers.org/rec/BORMEO |title=Ross, William David}}</ref> For example, there are cases where it is necessary to break a promise in order to relieve someone's distress.<ref name="Ross" />{{rp|28}} Ross makes use of the distinction between ''prima facie duties'' and ''absolute duty'' to solve this problem.<ref name="Ross" />{{rp|28}} The duties listed above are ''prima facie duties'' (moral actions that are required unless a greater obligation trumps them); they are general principles whose validity is self-evident to morally mature persons. They are factors that do not take all considerations into account. ''Absolute duty'', on the other hand, is particular to one specific situation, taking everything into account, and has to be judged on a case-by-case basis.<ref name="Skelton" /><ref name="Burgh">{{cite journal |last1=de Burgh |first1=W. G. |title=The Right and the Good. By W. D. Ross M.A., LL.D., Provost of Oriel College, Oxford. (Oxford: At the Clarendon Press. 1930. Pp. Vi + 176. Price 10s. 6d.) |format=book review |journal=Philosophy |year=1931 |volume=6 |issue=22 |pages=236–240 |doi=10.1017/S0031819100045265 |s2cid=170734138 |url=https://philpapers.org/rec/WGDTRA|url-access=subscription }}</ref> It is ''absolute duty'' that determines which acts are right or wrong.<ref name="Skelton" />

===Contemporary deontology===
[[Contemporary philosophy|Contemporary]] deontologists (i.e., scholars born in the first half of the 20th century) include [[Józef Maria Bocheński]], [[Thomas Nagel]], [[T. M. Scanlon]], and [[Roger Scruton]].

Bocheński (1965) makes a distinction between [[Deontic logic|''deontic'']] and [[epistemology|''epistemic'']] authority:<ref>[[Józef Maria Bocheński|Bocheński, Józef]] (1965). "Analysis of authority". In ''The Logic of Religion.'' New York: [[New York University Press]]. {{ISBN|978-0814700501}}. pp. 162–173.</ref>

* A typical example of '''epistemic authority''' in Bocheński's usage would be "the relation of a teacher to her students". A teacher has epistemic authority when making declarative sentences that the student presumes is reliable knowledge and appropriate but feels no obligation to accept or obey.<ref name="annabrozek115" />
* An example of '''deontic authority''' would be "the relation between an employer and her employee". An employer has deontic authority in the act of issuing an order that the employee is obliged to accept and obey regardless of its reliability or appropriateness.<ref name="annabrozek115">[[Anna Brożek|Brożek, Anna]] (2013). [https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11212-013-9175-9.pdf "Bocheński on authority"]. ''Studies in East European Thought'' 65(1):115–133. {{doi|10.1007/s11212-013-9175-9}}.</ref>

Scruton (2017), in his book ''On Human Nature'', is critical of [[consequentialism]] and similar ethical theories, such as [[hedonism]] and [[utilitarianism]], instead proposing a deontological ethical approach.<ref name="Scruton" /> He implies that proportional [[duty]] and obligation are essential components of the ways in which we decide to act, and he defends [[natural law]] against opposing theories. He also expresses admiration for [[virtue ethics]], and believes that the two ethical theories are not, as is frequently portrayed, mutually exclusive.<ref name="Scruton">{{cite book |last=Scruton |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Scruton |title=On Human Nature |publisher=Princeton |edition=1st |date=2017 |pages=79–112 |isbn=978-0-691-18303-9}}</ref>

===Deontology and consequentialism===
{{Further|Trolley problem|Consequentialism|Utilitarianism|Effective altruism}}

==== Principle of permissible harm ====
[[Frances Kamm]]'s "Principle of Permissible Harm" (1996) is an effort to derive a deontological constraint that coheres with our considered case judgments while also relying heavily on Kant's [[categorical imperative]].<ref>[[Frances Kamm|Kamm, Frances M.]] (1996). ''Morality, Mortality''. Vol. II: Rights, Duties, and Status. New York: [[Oxford University Press]].</ref> The principle states that one may harm in order to save more if and only if the harm is an effect or an aspect of the greater good itself. This principle is meant to address what Kamm feels are most people's considered case judgments, many of which involve deontological [[intuition]]s. For instance, Kamm argues that we believe it would be impermissible to kill one person to [[Organ harvesting|harvest his organs]] in order to save the lives of five others. Yet, we think it is morally permissible to divert a [[trolley problem|runaway trolley]] that would otherwise kill five [[innocent]], immobile people, onto a [[Sidetrack (rail transport)|sidetrack]] where only one innocent and immobile person will be killed. Kamm believes the Principle of Permissible Harm explains the moral difference between these and other cases, and more importantly expresses a constraint telling us exactly when we may not act to bring about good ends—such as in the organ harvesting case.

In 2007, Kamm published ''Intricate Ethics'', a book that presents a new theory, the "'''Doctrine of Productive Purity'''", that incorporates aspects of her "Principle of Permissible Harm".<ref>[[Frances Kamm|Kamm, Frances M.]] (2007). "Toward the Essence of Nonconsequentialist Constraints on Harming". Ch. 5 in ''Intricate Ethics: Rights, Responsibilities, and Permissible Harm''. Oxford: [[Oxford University Press]]. {{ISBN|978-0-19-518969-8}}.</ref> Like the "Principle", the "Doctrine of Productive Purity" is an attempt to provide a deontological prescription for determining the circumstances in which people are permitted to act in a way that harms others.<ref>Waugh, Laurence Francis Hogan (2015). [https://web.archive.org/web/20190220103232/http://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/225c/5f76260aa952b697f88f649ef203ffcdb6f9.pdf ''Harming the innocent to save lives: A critique of the Doctrine of Productive Purity''] (Masters research thesis). [[University of Melbourne]]. {{Hdl|11343/52416|hdl-access=free}}.</ref>

==== Reconciling deontology with consequentialism ====
Various attempts have been made to reconcile deontology with [[consequentialism]]. Threshold deontology holds that rules ought to govern up to a point despite adverse consequences; but when the consequences become so dire that they cross a stipulated threshold, consequentialism takes over.<ref name="Alexander">{{Cite journal |last1=Alexander |first1=Larry |last2=Moore |first2=Michael |date=2007-11-21 |title=Deontological Ethics 
|url=https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2020/entries/ethics-deontological/ |journal=Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy |volume=Winter 2020 edition |access-date=2023-09-30}}</ref> Theories put forth by [[Thomas Nagel]] and [[Michael S. Moore (academic)|Michael S. Moore]] attempt to reconcile deontology with consequentialism by assigning each a jurisdiction.<ref name="Alexander" /> [[Iain King]]'s 2008 book ''[[How to Make Good Decisions and Be Right All the Time]]'' uses [[quasi-realism]] and a modified form of [[utilitarianism]] to develop deontological principles that are compatible with ethics based on [[Virtue ethics|virtues]] and consequences. King develops a [[hierarchy]] of principles to link his [[meta-ethics]], which is more inclined towards consequentialism, with the deontological conclusions he presents in his book.<ref name="King2008">{{cite book|last=King|first=Iain|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S6TAjY609aAC&pg=PA220|title=How to Make Good Decisions and Be Right All the Time|year=2008|publisher=Continuum|isbn=978-1-84706-347-2|page=245}} Page 220 of this book lists 14 deontological principles, which King describes as "The first fourteen principles of right and wrong".</ref>

===Secular deontology===

[[Ethical intuitionism|Intuition-based]] deontology is a concept within [[secular ethics]]. A classical example of literature on secular ethics is the [[Tirukkural|Kural text]], authored by the ancient [[Tamils|Tamil]] [[Indian philosophy|Indian philosopher]] [[Thiruvalluvar|Valluvar]]. It can be argued that some concepts from deontological ethics date back to this text. Concerning ethical intuitionism, 20th century philosopher [[C.D. Broad]] coined the term "deontological ethics" to refer to the normative doctrines associated with intuitionism, leaving the phrase "[[ethical intuitionism]]" free to refer to the epistemological doctrines.<ref>Louden, Robert B (1996). "Toward a Genealogy of 'Deontology{{'"}}. ''Journal of the History of Philosophy'' 34:4. Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 587.</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Philosophy}}
<!-- alphabetical order please [[WP:SEEALSO]] -->
<!-- please add a short description [[WP:SEEALSO]], via {{subst:AnnotatedListOfLinks}} or {{Annotated link}} -->
{{div col|colwidth=20em|small=yes}}
* {{Annotated link |Convention (norm)}}
* {{Annotated link |Categorical imperative}}
* {{Annotated link |Deontic logic}}
* {{Annotated link |Deontological libertarianism}}
* {{Annotated link |Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development}}
* {{Annotated link |Meta-ethics}}
* {{Annotated link |Moral responsibility}}
* {{Annotated link |Norm (philosophy)}}
* {{Annotated link |Plank of Carneades}}
* {{Annotated link |Rule according to higher law}}
* {{Annotated link |The Right and the Good|''The Right and the Good''}}
* {{Annotated link |Divine command theory}}
* {{Annotated link |Euthyphro dilemma}}
{{div col end}}
<!-- alphabetical order please [[WP:SEEALSO]] -->

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* [[Tom Beauchamp|Beauchamp, Tom L.]] 1991. ''Philosophical Ethics: An Introduction to Moral Philosophy'' (2nd ed.) New York: [[McGraw Hill]].
* [[C. D. Broad|Broad, C. D.]] 1930. ''Five Types of Ethical Theory''. New York: [[Harcourt, Brace and Co]].
* [[Antony Flew|Flew, Antony]]. 1979. "Consequentialism." In ''A Dictionary of Philosophy'' (2nd ed.). New York: [[St. Martin's Press|St. Martin's]].
* {{cite encyclopedia |last1=Hurley |first1=Paul |title=Deontology |encyclopedia=International Encyclopedia of Ethics |date=2013 |doi=10.1002/9781444367072.wbiee681 |publisher=Blackwell Publishing |isbn=9781444367072}}
* [[Frances Kamm|Kamm, Frances M.]] 1996. ''Morality, Mortality Vol. II: Rights, Duties, and Status''. New York: [[Oxford University Press]].
* —— 2007. ''Intricate Ethics: Rights, Responsibilities, and Permissible Harm''. Oxford: [[Oxford University Press]]. {{ISBN|978-0-19-518969-8}}, {{ISBNT|978-0-19-534590-2}}.
*{{cite book| last = Kant| first = Immanuel| author-link = Immanuel Kant| title = Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals| year = 1964| publisher = Harper and Row Publishers, Inc| isbn = 978-0-06-131159-8| url-access = registration| url = https://archive.org/details/groundworkofmeta00kant}}
* «Législation, éthique et déontologie», Bruxelles: Editions de Boeck Université, 2011, Karine BREHAUX, {{ISBN|978-2-84371-558-7}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Rigstad |first1=Mark |title=Deontology |journal=The Encyclopedia of Political Thought |date=2014 |pages=883–888 |doi=10.1002/9781118474396.wbept0259 |isbn=9781118474396}}
* Olson, Robert G. 1967. "Deontological Ethics." In ''The Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', edited by [[Paul Edwards (philosopher)|P. Edwards]]. London: [[Collier Macmillan]].
*[[W. D. Ross|Ross, W. D.]] 1930. ''The Right and the Good''. Oxford: [[Clarendon Press]].
* Salzman, Todd A. 1995. ''Deontology and Teleology: An Investigation of the Normative Debate in Roman Catholic Moral Theology''. [[University press|University Press]].
* [[Bruce Waller|Waller, Bruce N.]] 2005. ''Consider Ethics: Theory, Readings, and Contemporary Issues''. New York: [[Pearson Longman]].
* Wierenga, Edward. 1983. "A Defensible Divine Command Theory." ''[[Noûs]]'' 17(3):387–407.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Deontological ethics}}
{{Wiktionary}}

*[http://www.philosopher.eu/texts/kants-ethics-summary/ Kantian Ethics – Summary] A concise summary of the key details of Kant's deontology
*[http://www.hkbu.edu.hk/~ppp/tp4/top08.html Freedom and the Boundary of Morals], Lecture 22 from Stephen Palmquist's book, [http://www.hkbu.edu.hk/~ppp/tp4/ The Tree of Philosophy] (fourth edition, 2000).
*[http://myweb.ecu.edu/mccartyr/GW/DeontologyAndEthicalEnds.asp Deontology and Ethical Ends]
*[http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/special-obligations/ Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on Special Obligations]
*[https://eportfolios.federation.edu.au/view/blocks.php?id=123052 Log in to ePortfolios@FedUni – ePortfolios@FedUni] Deontology framework ethics

{{Philosophy topics}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Deontological Ethics}}
[[Category:Deontology| ]]
[[Category:Ethical theories]]
[[Category:Morality]]
[[Category:Normative ethics]]