Deontological ethics is a type of moral theory which holds that an action is morally right if it is done out of a sense of duty and respect for universal moral principles and values Deontological theories emphasize that performing an action out of a sense of duty, rather than out of self-interest, is the proper way to go about making ethical decisions. This theory can be traced back to the work of the German philosopher Immanuel Kant in the 18th century. According to Kant, ethical behavior stems from the recognition of our duty to abide by universal moral laws and principles.
Essays on deontological topics range from exploring philosophical concepts to examining the moral implications of specific actions or decisions. Some key examples of essay topics within the field of deontological ethics could include:
1. The Role of Autonomy in Kantian Moral Theory: Examining how Kant's concept of autonomy plays a role in our decision making processes.
2. Duty, Respect and Authoritarianism: Exploring the role of respect for authority figures in deontological decision making.
3. The Nature of Moral Duties: Investigating the notions of moral obligation and how we determine which duties are morally obligatory.
4. Virtue-Based Ethics vs. Deontological Ethics: Examining the distinctions between virtue-based and deontological theories of morality.
5. Moral Duties and Consequentialism: Exploring the implications of deontological ethics for a consequentialist approach to decision making.