Comparing Deontological Theories Of Kant And Aquinas Natural Law

A deontological theory is one which condors act to be either be either intrinsically right or wrong, in themselves. Typically deontological theories use moral absolutes, which can derive from scripture of religious ideals. In this essay I will address both Kant’s theory of ethics, and Aquinas natural law applying them both to the issue of embryo use in medical research.

Kantian ethics is the first deontological theory I will address in this essay; Kant clearly locates the responsibility for making moral judgements lies with the individual, instead of an external authority or tradition such as sacred text or religious leader. He firmly believed that humans were completely free to make rational choices, if people are not free, the possibility of making moral choices would be denied. As humans we have the ability to freely rationalise or reason, a trait which sets us apart from animals. It is this rational autonomy that Kant identifies to be a key element of what gives humans their value or dignity. We must be free to do our duty; this is to follow the categorical imperative.

He also maintained the view that humans seek a ultimate end a supreme good, where a humans virtue and happiness becomes uncited at one with god. However this is impossible for humans to seek within their first lifetime,, we must have immoral souls in order to eventually succeed; an idea similar to reincarnation from Hinduism and enlightenment of Buddhism. Furthermore Kant believed there was a objective moral law, which we operate through the reason within us. Kant argues that we just know this moral law without needing to consider the consequences, we also do not look to any external forces, when deterring right from