AIIMS BBSR SNO - 2019
Nursing Foundation
Easy
Which of the following is true regarding deontology?
Appeared in: AIIMS BBSR SNO - 2019
Explanation
- Deontology is an ethical theory that judges the morality of an action based on its adherence to rules and duties, not its outcomes.
- This ethical framework is also known by other names, including 'formalism' and 'duty-based ethics'.
- The philosopher Immanuel Kant is a central figure, who proposed the 'categorical imperative' as a universal moral law.
- It contrasts with consequentialist theories like utilitarianism, which focus on the results of an action.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: This describes consequentialism, specifically utilitarianism. Deontology is explicitly non-consequentialist, meaning the outcomes of an action do not determine its moral rightness.
- Option B: Natural law theory is a distinct ethical framework. While both can sometimes lead to similar conclusions, their foundations are different. Deontology is based on rational duty, whereas natural law is based on an inherent order in nature, often linked to a divine source.
- Option C: While this statement is factually correct—deontology is fundamentally about dutiful actions—it is a description of the theory's focus rather than a name for the theory itself. 'Formalism' is a direct synonym for the entire ethical system, making it a more precise and encompassing answer.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Ethical Theories: Deontology as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- Nurses apply deontological principles when they adhere strictly to the professional code of ethics (e.g., maintaining patient confidentiality, providing care with justice) regardless of personal feelings or potentially difficult outcomes.
- A nurse has a duty to provide the same high standard of care to every patient, including those who may be difficult or have made poor life choices, based on the deontological principles of justice and fidelity.
- What if? If a nurse operated under a purely utilitarian framework, they might be tempted to tell a 'white lie' to a terminally ill patient about their prognosis to prevent immediate distress (a 'good' consequence). This would violate the deontological duty of truth-telling (veracity), which a deontologist would uphold regardless of the immediate emotional outcome.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'deontology'.
- Recall the core definition of deontology: it is an ethical theory based on duty and rules, not consequences.
- Systematically evaluate each option against this core definition.
- Option A mentions 'consequences,' which is the hallmark of utilitarianism, the opposite of deontology. Eliminate it.
- Option B mentions 'natural law,' which is a separate ethical theory. Eliminate it.
- You are left with options C and D. Both seem plausible. Option C describes the focus of deontology (dutiful actions), and Option D provides a synonym (formalism).
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Ethical Theories: Deontology
- Stem keywords: deontology, true regarding
- Lead-in keywords: true
- Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
QuY4plDJ4YosoRVO3tpeJ0
Reference Book
E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 15024-15026
E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 2 p. 83-85
E6 Nursing_Management_and_leadership_Johny_Kutty_JosephCbs_Publishers (pp 16-364 of 374) p. 329-331
Practise the full AIIMS BBSR SNO - 2019
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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