Legal Definitions - deontology

Deontology is an ethical framework that asserts the moral rightness or wrongness of actions is determined by whether they adhere to a set of duties, rules, or moral obligations, rather than by the consequences or outcomes of those actions. In this view, certain actions are inherently right or wrong, irrespective of their results, because they align with or violate fundamental moral principles or duties.

Here are some examples to illustrate deontology:

• Example 1: Professional Confidentiality
  A lawyer is bound by a strict duty of confidentiality to their client. Even if the lawyer believes revealing certain information could prevent a minor financial loss for a third party, a deontological approach would dictate that the lawyer must uphold their duty of confidentiality, as it is a fundamental professional obligation.
  This illustrates deontology because the lawyer's action is guided by an established professional duty (confidentiality) and a rule (client privilege), rather than by weighing the potential positive or negative outcomes of breaking that duty. The duty itself is considered paramount.
• Example 2: The Principle of Truthfulness
  Consider a person who believes that lying is always morally wrong, regardless of the situation. If this person is asked a difficult question where a small lie could spare someone's feelings or avoid an awkward social situation, a deontological perspective would compel them to tell the truth, because the act of lying itself is seen as a violation of a universal moral rule.
  Here, the individual's decision is based on the inherent rightness or wrongness of the act of lying, rather than on the potential positive consequences (sparing feelings) or negative consequences (awkwardness) of telling the truth. The moral duty to be truthful takes precedence.
• Example 3: Organizational Anti-Bribery Policy
  A company implements a strict policy against offering or accepting bribes, even in regions where such practices are common and might be necessary to secure a lucrative contract. This policy is based on the principle that bribery is inherently unethical and violates fundamental business integrity, regardless of the potential financial benefits or losses.
  This demonstrates deontology because the company's policy is driven by a pre-defined rule and a moral principle (the inherent wrongness of bribery and the duty to maintain integrity), rather than by an assessment of the actual consequences of offering or refusing a bribe in a specific situation. Adherence to the rule is the primary moral consideration.