Introduction
The present paper focuses on the problem involving Harriet and her best friend, Afeni. Harriet is dying and requires an expensive drug, and Afeni breaks into the drug store and steals the medicine. The rationale behind that action is that she only had half of the required sum, while the store’s owner, Amos, refused to reduce the cost or sell the drug on credit. A deontologist would firmly state that Afeni’s action is morally wrong because it violates a maxim and implies the categorical imperative.
Main body
A deontological ethical framework assesses actions regarding how they relate to a specific set of rules, drawing no attention to what consequences can arise. Consequently, a person has an obligation to behave appropriately, meaning that an action is considered morally wrong if it violates a commonly accepted rule. Regarding the problem under analysis, Afeni brought the law and stole a drug. In this case, a maxim of “Do not steal” is involved, and this subjective principle reveals the necessary way of behavior. As a result, Afeni violated the maxim, meaning that her action was morally wrong. Deontological ethics also relies on moral law as a categorical imperative that should guide decision-making. Consequently, this information demonstrates that a deontologist would have sufficient reasons to state that Afeni made the wrong action.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a deontological ethical framework stipulates that actions and decisions should meet the specific rules irrespective of what potential consequences can arise. This approach demonstrates that Afeni’s decision to steal a drug was morally wrong because it violated the maxim of “Do not steal,” irrespective of an attempt to save her friend’s life. Consequently, one can say that deontological ethics focuses on the moral law in the given moment to evaluate an action.