More about Deontological Theories

This approach is concerned primarily with the quality of an action, with the means of achieving a desired end. This approach has more of a religious undertone. The deontological theories assume the reasonableness of human beings, i.e. they are capable of seeing what is good. Ironically, deontological theories rely upon consequentiality considerations to justify themselves. Respect for life, for instance, is justified ultimately by the survival of the self, the community, and even the species.