deontology

American  

[dee-on-tol-uh-jee] / ˌdi ɒnˈtɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. ethics, especially that branch dealing with duty, moral obligation, and right action.

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deontology British  

/ ˌdiːɒnˈtɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of ethics dealing with duty, moral obligation, and moral commitment

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Other Word Forms

• deontological adjective
• deontologist noun

Etymology

Origin of deontology

First recorded in 1820–30; from Greek deont- (stem of déon “binding,” neuter present participle of deîn “to bind, tie, fetter”) + -o- ( def. ) + -logy

Example Sentences

The word deontology derives from the Greek words deon, meaning duty, and logos, meaning the study or science of, so that deontology literally means “the study or science of duty.”

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

Compare and contrast the Kantian and pluralist interpretation of deontology.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

May, who teaches at Clemson, starred in a series of short videos explaining concepts like existentialism, utilitarianism, and deontology to the show’s viewers.

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2020

In contrast to consequentialism or duty-based deontology, virtue ethics emphasizes virtues or moral excellence.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2019

Accordingly, general deontology, in that part which brings not external, but internal, freedom under laws is the doctrine of virtue.

From The Metaphysical Elements of Ethics by Abbott, Thomas Kingsmill