Treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of another, always as an end and never merely as a means to an end. This forbids using people as "tools" to achieve a goal. Key Characteristics of Deontological Ethics
It focuses on the obligations of the individual person. My duty is to ensure my actions are moral, regardless of what others do. Deontology
The primary critique of deontology is its perceived rigidity. The "inquireing murderer" thought experiment asks: if a killer asks where your friend is hiding, is it wrong to lie? A strict Kantian might say yes, which feels counterintuitive to many. Additionally, deontology can struggle when two duties conflict—such as the duty to keep a promise versus the duty to help someone in need. Conclusion Treat humanity, whether in your own person or
