It is often believed that one of the strengths of the moral theory of deontology is the fact that it supports the notion of individuals as holders of rights. Further analyzing this idea of rights-bearing individuals through the specific moral theory of Deontology; we also see that Kantian deontology supports the notion of rights-bearing individuals. If we look at one of the many maxims listed by Immanuel Kant, we see that one of his maxims states that we should never use someone or something as a means to a further end, but appreciate it as the end itself. The idea of the maxim provides an answer to the charge against consequentialism (utilitarianism) which concerns and prioritizes only the general good above all/everyone and this can lead to the violation of the rights of individuals. The deontologists' view of rights-bearing individuals goes on to state that it is never justifiable to ignore someone's rights, even if, by losing the rights of individuals, this will lead to the good of the majority. Through the moral theory of deontology, looking at it through the lens of Immanuel Kant, we see that the path to individuals having rights is through the idea of treating people with respect, dignity and not as a means to an ulterior end. Through this moral theory we see that individuals are autonomous and we can choose how to act and this aspect makes morality possible which further increases the idea of individuals having rights. This idea of individuals having rights through the moral theory of Deontology; through the views of Immanuel Kant is vitally important both legally and morally. Looking at this from a legal perspective we see that through the European Convention on Human Rights, internationally the need for a duty towards others can be further developed, if we analyze this idea we can see that this mentioned idea goes hand in hand with the moral theory of Deontology, when we think we have a duty towards others; we immediately think about the individual acts performed and this can therefore be considered moral or immoral by a deontologist or anyone else who looks at each individual act to determine the morality of an act. As supporters of the theory of deontology, we can easily find out whether the act is moral or immoral and by doing so we can draw a distinct line that shows that the moral theory of deontology supports the idea that individuals have rights. Individuals can also have the ability to confer rights on others if they have the power to do so, through this thought we can see that there is a link between the idea of duty or obligation and individuals having rights.
tags