Deontological Ethics
Deontological ethics is a normative ethical theory that judges the morality of actions based on rules, duties, or principles, rather than their consequences. It emphasizes that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the outcomes they produce. This approach is often contrasted with consequentialist theories like utilitarianism, which focus on the results of actions.
Developers should understand deontological ethics when making decisions about privacy, security, and fairness in software development, as it provides a framework for adhering to ethical principles like user consent and data protection. It is particularly relevant in fields like AI ethics, cybersecurity, and compliance, where rule-based approaches help ensure responsible and transparent practices. Learning this concept helps in navigating ethical dilemmas in tech, such as bias in algorithms or handling sensitive information.