Deontological ethics and Kant's categorical imperative theory

Deontological Theories

Ethical perspectives

Ethical principles and theories are the basis of ethical analysis because such perspective guides the seeker along the path to decision. Each theory lays emphasis on different points like predicting the result and following one's duties to other people to reach an ethically correct decision. Nevertheless, for an ethical theory to become useful, the theory should focus on a common set of goals (Rainbow, 2002).

According to the deontological theory, people should conform to their duties and obligations when it comes to evaluations and ethical dilemma. This shows that a person should follow his/her duties to other people or society because maintaining one's duty is considered ethically correct (Ridley, 1998). A person who goes with this theory will generate very consistent decisions since they are based on the set of duties of the individual. Deontology provides the foundation for special obligations and duties to certain people, such as, to one's family members. Although there are several positive attributes to the deontology, it equally contains its fair share of flaws. One weakness of this theory is the lack of rationale or logical basis for deciding the duties of an individual.

Deontology and Kant's Categorical Imperative

The main theories in deontology are regarding morality and conscience. On one hand, there is their longer-lasting manifestation, mostly referred to as "general deontics, Christianized conscience or deontic reasons" and on the other hand, inconsistent manifestation known as "contingent deontics, aspirational reasons or contingent deontics" (Vorster, 2013).

Kant's Categorical Imperative

According to Kant, his own version of duty-based ethics was based on what he called the categorical imperative which he hoped would be the basis of all other rules (one rule that is true in all circumstances is a categorical imperative).

Moral rules must be universalisable

The first rule lays emphasis on the need for the universalibility of moral rules. This implies that you should always behave in such a way that you would want it to become a general rule for everyone to follow when faced with the similar circumstances.

Moral rules must respect human beings

Kant believed that every human being ought to be treated as a free or equal member of a shared moral community, and this is reflected by the second version of the categorical imperatives by laying emphasis on the importance of treating people fairly. It acknowledges the importance of intention in morality in equal measure.

Ethical issues concerning bribes

It is possible for international businesses to be involved in corruption sometimes without knowing it. In some cultures, offering bribes to seal certain business deals is quite normal. Bribery may come in different forms like money, gifts, flowers, entertainment and favors (Budrina, 2012).

The main form of the imperative is: Only act based on the dictum by which you can act and at the same time will that it turns into a universal law. So, for instance, corruption is unethical due to our inability to universalize a dictum that said, One should accept bribe always, speak truthfully at all times, without running into any kind of logical contradiction. (Take note of the duty-based approach that says nothing about how difficult or easy it would be to carry out these dictums, just that it remains our duty as rational creatures to do so). Acting in accordance with a law we have found to be rational following our own universal way of reasoning, we only act autonomously (in a self-regulating form), and therefore are duty-bound, a duty we assigned to ourselves as very rational creatures. We therefore choose freely (we will) to attach ourselves to the moral law.

Going by what Kant believed and professed, obeying the universal moral law is the nature of ethical behavior (Brown, 2016).