Deontology in Literature & Literary Theory

Deontology: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept

Etymology/Term:

The term “deontology” is derived from the Greek words “deon,” meaning duty, and “logos,” meaning science or study. Together, it refers to the study of duty or moral obligation. Deontology is a normative ethical theory that emphasizes the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions based on adherence to moral principles, rather than the consequences of those actions.

Meanings and Concept:

• Duty-Centered Ethics: Deontology posits that individuals have certain moral duties and obligations that they are bound to follow, irrespective of the outcomes.
• Universalizable Principles: Deontological theories often propose the existence of universal moral principles that apply to all individuals and situations, providing a framework for ethical decision-making.
• Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative: A prominent deontological concept developed by philosopher Immanuel Kant, the Categorical Imperative suggests that individuals should act according to principles that could be universally applied without contradiction.
• Focus on Intentions: Deontology places importance on the intention behind an action, asserting that good intentions can contribute to the moral worth of an act, even if the consequences are unfavorable.
• Ethical Rules and Commandments: Deontological ethics involves adherence to ethical rules and commandments, with an emphasis on maintaining the moral integrity of actions.

Deontology: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Deontology is a normative ethical theory that emphasizes the intrinsic moral value of actions, independent of their consequences. It posits that individuals have certain moral duties and obligations that guide their behavior, and these duties are based on universalizable principles. Originating from the Greek words “deon” (duty) and “logos” (science), deontology provides a framework for ethical decision-making by prioritizing the adherence to moral principles and the fulfillment of one’s duty.

Deontology: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804): Often regarded as the father of deontology, Kant’s influential works, such as “Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals” and “Critique of Practical Reason,” laid the foundation for deontological ethics. He introduced the concept of the Categorical Imperative, emphasizing the universalizability of ethical principles and the importance of moral duties.
2. W.D. Ross (1877-1971): An English philosopher, W.D. Ross developed the theory of prima facie duties in his work “The Right and the Good.” He proposed that individuals have multiple prima facie duties, and moral decision-making involves weighing these duties to determine the most ethically justified action.

Key Works:

1. “Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals” by Immanuel Kant: In this seminal work, Kant explores the fundamental principles of morality, introducing the concept of the Categorical Imperative and arguing for the autonomy of moral reasoning.
2. “The Right and the Good” by W.D. Ross: Ross outlines his deontological theory of prima facie duties, emphasizing the pluralistic nature of moral obligations and providing a nuanced perspective on ethical decision-making.

Central Arguments:

1. Categorical Imperative: Kant’s central argument revolves around the Categorical Imperative, which states that individuals should act according to principles that could be universally applied without contradiction. This emphasizes the importance of moral rules and duties that are binding on all rational beings.
2. Universalizability: Deontological theories, including Kantian deontology, argue for the universalizability of moral principles. Actions are deemed morally right if the principles guiding them can be consistently applied to everyone without generating contradictions.
3. Prima Facie Duties: W.D. Ross’s contribution introduces the concept of prima facie duties, suggesting that individuals have multiple moral obligations, and ethical decision-making involves discerning which duty takes precedence in a particular situation.

In summary, the key figures in deontology, particularly Immanuel Kant and W.D. Ross, have shaped the field through influential works like “Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals” and “The Right and the Good,” and their arguments center around concepts such as the Categorical Imperative, universalizability, and prima facie duties.

Deontology: Major Characteristics

1. Duty-Centered Ethics: Deontology places a primary focus on the inherent moral worth of actions based on the fulfillment of duties and obligations, rather than the consequences that may result from those actions.
2. Universalizability: Central to deontological thinking is the idea that ethical principles and rules should be applicable universally, without contradiction. This means that individuals should act according to principles that could be consistently followed by everyone in similar circumstances.
3. Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative: A cornerstone of deontological ethics, the Categorical Imperative, proposed by Immanuel Kant, asserts that individuals should act according to principles that they could will to be universal laws. This emphasizes the importance of acting from a sense of duty and moral principles.
4. Focus on Intentions: Deontology places significance on the intentions behind an action. Even if the consequences of an action are unfavorable, a morally good intention can contribute to the overall moral worth of the act.
5. Ethical Rules and Commandments: Deontological theories involve adherence to ethical rules and commandments that dictate what is morally right or wrong. These rules are often derived from fundamental principles that guide ethical decision-making.
6. Absolutism: Deontology is often associated with moral absolutism, asserting that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the context or consequences. This contrasts with ethical theories that allow for more situational or consequentialist considerations.
7. Prima Facie Duties: Some deontologists, such as W.D. Ross, introduce the concept of prima facie duties, suggesting that individuals have multiple moral obligations, and ethical decision-making involves discerning which duty takes precedence in a given situation.
8. Emphasis on Rationality: Deontology places a strong emphasis on rationality and the capacity for moral reasoning. It asserts that individuals, as rational beings, have the ability to discern and follow moral principles through their capacity for reason.

Deontology: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Deontology
Ethical Criticism	In ethical criticism, deontology provides a framework for analyzing characters’ actions and moral dilemmas in literary works. It allows for the examination of characters’ adherence to moral duties and principles, contributing to a deeper understanding of ethical dimensions within the narrative.
Narrative Ethics	Deontology plays a role in narrative ethics by offering a perspective on the ethical choices made by characters and authors. It provides a basis for evaluating the moral implications of narrative decisions, emphasizing the importance of ethical principles in storytelling.
Reader-Response Criticism	Deontological ethics can influence reader-response criticism by encouraging readers to consider the ethical implications of characters’ actions and the choices made by authors. It prompts readers to reflect on the moral framework presented in the text and their own ethical responses to the narrative.
Feminist Literary Theory	In feminist literary theory, deontology can be relevant in examining portrayals of women and their adherence to or subversion of societal expectations. It provides a lens to analyze characters’ actions in relation to moral duties and principles, contributing to discussions on gender roles and expectations.
Postcolonial Literary Theory	Deontology may be relevant in postcolonial literary theory by helping to assess the ethical dimensions of power dynamics, colonial actions, and resistance within narratives. It provides a framework for exploring the moral responsibilities of characters and institutions in postcolonial contexts.
Critical Race Theory	Deontology can be applied in critical race theory to analyze ethical aspects of racial relationships and societal structures depicted in literary works. It offers a lens to examine characters’ adherence to moral principles and the ethical implications of racialized narratives.

In literary theories, deontology provides a lens through which ethical dimensions, characters’ actions, and narrative choices can be critically examined, contributing to a richer understanding of the moral fabric within literary works.

Deontology: Application in Critiques

1. Thomas Hardy’s “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”:
   • Deontological Analysis: In Hardy’s novel, the central character Tess faces moral dilemmas and societal expectations. A deontological analysis might explore whether Tess’s actions align with universalizable moral principles, examining the moral duties implicated in her decisions and the consequences of adhering or deviating from these duties.
2. E.M. Forster’s “A Passage to India”:
   • Deontological Analysis: Set against the backdrop of British colonial India, Forster’s novel explores cultural clashes and ethical complexities. A deontological critique could focus on characters’ adherence to moral principles, the universalizability of ethical considerations in a multicultural context, and the moral duties involved in navigating the intricacies of colonial relationships.
3. Thomas Hardy’s “Far from the Madding Crowd”:
   • Deontological Analysis: In this Hardy novel, characters grapple with love, loyalty, and societal expectations. A deontological analysis might examine the ethical dimensions of characters’ actions, questioning whether their choices align with universalizable moral principles and exploring the moral duties implicated in relationships and societal norms.
4. E.M. Forster’s “Howards End”:
   • Deontological Analysis: Forster’s exploration of class and social issues in Edwardian England provides ample material for a deontological critique. Analysis could focus on characters’ adherence to moral principles, the universalizability of ethical considerations in a changing society, and the moral duties implicated in issues of class, wealth, and interpersonal relationships.

In these novels by Thomas Hardy and E.M. Forster, a deontological critique would delve into the characters’ adherence to moral principles, the universalizability of ethical considerations, and the exploration of inherent moral worth irrespective of consequences. The analysis would contribute to a nuanced understanding of the ethical dimensions within the narratives of these classic works.

Deontology: Relevant Terms

Theoretical Term	Brief Description
Consequentialism	Evaluates actions based on outcomes, emphasizing consequences.
Virtue Ethics	Focuses on cultivating virtuous character traits as the basis of ethical behavior.
Utilitarianism	Asserts actions are morally right if they maximize overall happiness.
Kantian Ethics	Grounded in Immanuel Kant’s philosophy, emphasizes moral duties and the Categorical Imperative.
Contractarianism	Derives moral principles from hypothetical social contracts and mutual agreements.
Moral Absolutism	Belief that certain actions are universally right or wrong, regardless of context or consequences.
Ethical Relativism	Holds moral judgments are relative to cultural or individual perspectives.
Divine Command Theory	Asserts ethical principles are based on divine commands or the will of a higher power.
Rights-Based Ethics	Centers on protecting individual rights, asserting certain rights as fundamental and inviolable.
Prima Facie Duties	Deontological concept suggesting individuals have multiple moral obligations, requiring ethical weighing.

Deontology: Suggested Readings

1. Kant, Immanuel. Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Translated by Mary Gregor, Cambridge University Press, 1998.
2. Kant, Immanuel. Critique of Practical Reason. Translated by Lewis White Beck, Prentice Hall, 1993.
3. Ross, W.D. The Right and the Good. Hackett Publishing Company, 1930.
4. O’Neill, Onora. Constructions of Reason: Explorations of Kant’s Practical Philosophy. Cambridge University Press, 1989.
5. Herman, Barbara. The Practice of Moral Judgment. Harvard University Press, 1993.
6. Johnson, Robert N. Immanuel Kant: His Life and Thought. Yale University Press, 2008.
7. Korsgaard, Christine M. Creating the Kingdom of Ends. Cambridge University Press, 1996.
8. Wood, Allen W. Kant’s Ethical Thought. Cambridge University Press, 1999.