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What does deontology have to say about the concept of free will, and how does this differ from other ethical frameworks?

Destini Alten

Deontology is an ethical framework that emphasizes the moral obligations of an individual, regardless of outcomes or consequences. In other words, it is concerned with whether actions are inherently right or wrong, rather than whether they lead to good or bad outcomes. The concept of free will is central to deontological thought, as it assumes that individuals have the capacity to act freely and make choices that are in line with their moral obligations.

Deontology maintains that individuals have a duty to act morally, regardless of the consequences. This means that the concept of free will is important, since it is only by freely choosing to act in accordance with our moral duties that we can truly be considered moral agents. Under deontological thought, individuals are responsible for their own actions, and are accountable for the choices they make.

This differs significantly from other ethical frameworks, such as consequentialism, which focus on the outcomes of actions rather than their inherent morality. Consequentialism considers an action to be morally right if it leads to the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In this framework, free will is less important, as it is the outcomes of actions that are being evaluated, rather than the choices made by individuals. Similarly, virtue ethics emphasizes the development of virtuous character traits, rather than the application of rules or duties. In this framework, free will is important, but in a different way. It is the individual's character that determines their actions, rather than their adherence to rules or duties.

One of the key debates within deontology is whether free will exists in a meaningful sense. Some proponents of deontological thought argue that free will is essential for moral agency, since it is only through freely choosing to act in accordance with our moral duties that we can be considered moral agents. Others argue that free will is an illusion, and that all actions are ultimately determined by prior causes.

Overall, the concept of free will is crucial to deontological thought, as it is through the exercise of our free will that we can act in accordance with our moral duties. While there is debate within deontological thought over the nature of free will and whether it exists in a meaningful sense, the importance of free will to this framework of ethics cannot be overstated. By emphasizing the moral obligations of individuals, deontology provides a compelling account of how we should live our lives, and what we should strive for as moral agents.