Rationalism in Ethics

Rationalism in ethics is the view that moral truths can be discovered through reason and logical thinking, rather than through emotions or social influences. In the context of deontological ethics, which is associated with philosophers like Immanuel Kant, this means that certain actions are inherently right or wrong based on rational principles, regardless of the outcomes. Deontologists believe that we have moral duties or obligations that must be followed, and these can be determined through rational reflection, leading to universal moral laws that apply to everyone.