Ethical Question

Running head: DEONTOLOGICAL ETHICAL THEORY 1

Deontological Ethical Theory Applied to the Ethical Question

Reginald Whimbush

PHI208: Ethics and Moral Reasoning

Dr. Sorensen

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DEONTOLOGICAL ETHICAL THEORY 2

Introduction

The purpose of this essay is to apply the ethical question - Should we penalize a soldier

for disobeying an unjust or illegal order given by one's superiors? – to one of two moral

theories. Several articles that I researched for this essay, indicated that during the course of their

military career, soldiers would be faced with the dilemma of following an unjust order. The

military has very clear rules and laws about the severity of not following orders. This paper will

discuss the issue as it relates to the deontological ethical argument. Although military law states

different, I do not think a soldier should be penalized for not following an unjust or illegal order

given by their superiors.

A duty-based or deontological ethics is concerned with actions of individuals rather than

consequences of such actions. It holds that people tend to do the right thing and that they should

do it because it is the right thing to do and stresses on the rejection of doing wrongs things as

well as avoiding wrong things because they are wrong. Hence, regarding this ethical theory, an

individual cannot justify an action by showing that it culminated into good consequences, and

this is the reason deontological ethical theory is referred as ‘non-consequentialist’. (The Basics,

2008)

The deontological ethical theory acknowledges that some actions are wrong and others

are right based on the actions themselves, and hence individuals have an obligation or duty to act

accordingly, irrespective of the good or bad consequences which may result or be generated

(Misselbrook, 2013). As previously stated, I support the soldiers who reject the unjust or illegal

orders issued by their superiors regardless of the consequences they will face. That stance is in

line with the deontological ethical theory which clearly acknowledges that some actions are

wrong. According to the oath they take upon signing their contracts, that they will “obey the

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DEONTOLOGICAL ETHICAL THEORY 3

orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me,

according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice” (Powers, 2016). There are

many of the mindset that soldiers need to follow orders no matter what they entail. Soldiers can

face severe penalties for not following orders. Applying the deontological ethical theory,

soldiers have a duty to act reject the illegal or unjust orders regardless of the consequences that

may result. In my opinion, we should never penalize a soldier for disobeying an illegal order

issued by their superiors.

Explain the core principles of Deontological Ethical Theory

Deontology is a word derived from the Greek language, ‘’on’’ meaning duty and

‘’logos’’ for science (Deontology, n.d.). First examined by a philosopher, Immanuel Kant in the

18th century, he argued that the only thing that is good without qualification is good will (The

Good Will, n.d.). Consequently, deontological ethics is an ethical theory that embeds emphasis

on the relationship between the line of duty and morality of human actions. Conversely, the

theory considers an action morally good because of its characteristics and not as a result of the

end product. It also points out the significance of actions that are morally obligatory even at the

expense of their consequences regarding human welfare. A common descriptive expression used

in referring to this ethical theory is, “duty for duty’s sake” (Sibomana, 2010). In the same

perspective, a deontological theory has been regarded formalistic due to the nature of its central

principle which is embedded on the conformity of an action to some rule of law.

Demonstrate how the principles of the theory support a certain position on that question.

In the given case study, it is safe to state that the soldier should not be penalized for going

against an illegal order on his line of duty directed by his/her superior. Conversely, this is

because deontological ethics is concerned with the morals of one action and not the

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1

1. ‘’on’’

Actually, the word is "deon."

[Emilia Sorensen]

DEONTOLOGICAL ETHICAL THEORY 4

consequences, also referred to as non-consequentialist (The Basics, 2008). Emphasis is made on

doing the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do. Hence, if the soldier in his line of

duty feels that his moral obligation is threatened by the illegal order, he is allowed to go against

his senior’s instructions. Deontologists live by moral rules, in the same perspective, an individual

who adheres to duty based ethics should focus on doing the right thing rather than manipulating

his/her actions so as to achieve desirable consequences.

Articulate a relevant objection to that position

Deontological ethics embeds emphasis on absolute rules. Consequently, the rules tend to

be rigid hence in one way or another complicating ways of dealing with cases. Most of the

people also find the moral theory challenging since it focusses on the reduction in the overall

happiness of the world (Pract, 2013). Utilitarianism, conversely, is embedded in the idea that

actions are good because it benefits the greater number of members in society rather than a single

individual. The consequences of an action are what give ethical value to any action. The theory is

a counter argument for the deontological theory, and was pioneered by John Stuart Mill and

Jeremy Bentham. However, critics such as Karl Max place more emphasis on the consequences.

Application

In some ways, the deontological ethical theory principle features apply to the question

‘Should we penalize a soldier for disobeying an unjust or illegal order given by one's superiors?’

It is clear that the sometimes soldiers face hostile conditions and may be faced with following

orders that they know are wrong. According to this theory, the consequences of an action does

not matter if a person acts justly (Shakil, n.d.). By refusing illegal or unjust orders they are

subjected to, soldiers advance the practice of this theory since they are acting morally by

choosing to not follow orders regardless of the consequences. The specific conclusion identified

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from the application of the reasoning characteristic of this kind of approach is that those in the

leadership position should adhere to the law and stop giving illegal orders to the soldiers under

their command.

Conclusion

The deontological ethical theory can be applied to the ethical question that has been

presented. By acknowledging the need to act according to their conscience without considering

the consequences that the action will generate, the soldiers would be acting morally by rejecting

the illegal or unjust order(s) given to them by their superiors. Despite the oath the soldier took,

steps should be taken to protect the soldiers. They should never be penalized when they disobey

an unlawful order. Ultimately, they are helping other soldiers by standing for what is right.

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References

Deontology. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deontology.

Powers, R. (2016). Military Orders - To Obey or Not to Obey? Retrieved from

https://www.thebalance.com/military-orders-3332819.

Pract, B. (2013). Duty, Kant, and deontology. 63(609), 211-211. Misselbrook, D. Retrieved from

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609464/.

Shakil, A. (n.d.). Kantian Duty Based (Deontological) Ethics. Retrieved from

http://sevenpillarsinstitute.org/morality-101/kantian-duty-based-deontological-ethics.

Sibomana, J. (2010). Duty for Duty Sake. Retrieved from

http://lphkantianethics.blogspot.com/2010/11/duty-for-duty-sake-in-kantian-ethics.html.

The Basics of Philosophy. (2008). Retrieved from

http://www.philosophybasics.com/branch_deontology.html.

The Good Will. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://kantphilosophy.wordpress.com/kants-ethics/the-

good-will/.

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