Final answer:
W. D. Ross rejected Kantian deontology for its overemphasis on individual autonomy and neglect of moral complexity involving conflicting duties. Communitarians also criticize Kant for disregarding the role of community in shaping an individual's values and obligations, advocating for balance between individual autonomy and community needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Immanuel Kant's approach to moral philosophy, known as Kantian deontology, emphasizes individual autonomy and the application of universal moral laws, such as his categorical imperative. However, W. D. Ross, a later deontologist, argued that Kant's framework focused too heavily on universal principles, neglecting the complexities of moral situations, which often involve conflicting duties. Ross posited that moral life is more nuanced and cannot be reduced to singular maxims. This position aligns with the critiques of communitarianism toward Kantian emphasis on individualism, as communitarians argue for the significance of community and shared values in shaping moral obligations.
Furthermore, communitarians, like sociologist Amitai Etzioni, stress the importance of social interactions and communal involvements on human well-being, positioning community involvement as crucial for societal health. It is through the lens of responsive communitarianism that one can weigh individual rights against societal norms and community standards, acknowledging that community can play a determinative role in an individual's values and decisions.