DEONTOLOGY: A Matter of Principle

Knowing the difference between right or wrong. 

To remain uncorrupted, to remain principled , 

This I wish to be

  

Deontology: A principle based on the fact that your actions are dictated by your Duty.

Duty-oriented principles focuses on the principles rather than on the consequence of an act. The basic rightness or wrongness of an act depends on its intrinsic nature. It is a theory which follows that you decisions be based primarily by one's duties and others rights.

Problem:

Joe is torn between his duty as a worker VS. his duty as a friend.

• Juan, the long-time friend of Joe has accidentally destroyed the equipment they were tasked to guard
• It was their job to secure and protect the equipment from damage to make sure these were prepared for service if ever needed.
• The boss found out about it and now is asking them for answers.

Conflict of the problem:

There are however dilemmas in finding the right act to do (according to the deontologist view), because

• Yes, Joe has a duty to his work
• Yet he also has the duty to protect his friend.

We do have to consider that

• the nature of the act was –accidental-
• Yet, it was his job to make sure that the standby equipments are to be ready for service in the wards.
• Juan did do a very clumsy act; he did play around near the equipments which led to his faulty act.

Principles involved:

• Loyalty to his friend (long-time friend) and his
• Responsibility (to do his job)
• Accountability and answerability- to be held accountable for your actions
• Truth (Veracity)- to tell or not to tell

Some above listed principles however does contradict with some of its co-principles. Yet some are of higher value than others. Responsibility, accountability and veracity all lead Joe to do what he is ought to do, which is tell the truth, these however conflicts with his loyalty towards his friend. Yet, the three are of a much higher value than the loyalty part.

“To do the right thing or do what you are ought to do”

So, if we look at this in a deontologist’s perception, and having weighed all the principles involved, then Joe does have to do his duty and tell the truth to his boss. He therefore has to do what he is ought to do and do things right. If he does go forth with his decision to squeal off his friend, he will surely have consequences to deal with. But a deontologist does not focus on the consequence but rather on his beliefs and principles. The above listed principles are however on his side, therefore concluding that he does have to do his duty and tell the truth.

-Skittles says: tell me your take on the story. Skittles says: tell me your take on the story.