Deontological ethics, rooted in thinkers like Immanuel Kant, emphasizes duty and adherence to universal moral rules, such as “Do not lie,” regardless of consequences. This approach offers clarity and universality but faces significant criticisms due to its rigidity:

1. Problem of Absolutes: Deontology’s adherence to moral absolutes can lead to morally troubling outcomes. For example, truth-telling might compel one to reveal harmful truths, even when lying could prevent greater harm.

2. Lack of Flexibility: Real-world dilemmas often involve competing moral considerations. Deontology struggles with these complexities, treating rules as inviolable. In scenarios like the trolley problem, a deontologist might refuse to act, even if inaction results in greater harm.

3. Moral Blindness to Consequences: By ignoring outcomes, deontology can justify actions that seem indefensible, such as returning a weapon to a homicidal person to keep a promise, disregarding the harm caused.

4. Conflict of Duties: When duties clash, such as telling the truth versus protecting someone, deontology offers no clear resolution, undermining its practical applicability.

In contrast, consequentialist approaches like utilitarianism prioritize outcomes, allowing for more flexible, context-sensitive decision-making. Critics argue that deontology’s rigidity risks moral dogmatism, failing to account for the nuanced realities of ethical dilemmas.

Key aspects of deontological ethics include:

1. Categorical Imperative: Kant’s principle that one should act only according to maxims that can be universally applied. For example, lying is inherently wrong because universal lying would undermine trust.

2. Moral Absolutes: Actions are deemed always right or wrong, regardless of context, contrasting with consequentialism’s outcome-based evaluation.

3. Intentions Matter: Morality is judged by the intentions behind actions, emphasizing duty over personal gain or favorable outcomes.

4. Rights and Justice: Deontology protects individual rights and dignity, forbidding the use of individuals merely