Final answer:
Kant's deontological ethics revolves around duty and the Categorical Imperative, which states that actions must be universally willable. Perfect duties are absolute, while prima facie duties introduce complexity into moral decision-making.
Step-by-step explanation:
Immanuel Kant, a central figure in modern philosophy, developed an ethical framework based on reason and the concept of duty, known as deontological ethics. Kant's philosophy emphasizes that the morality of an action is determined by its adherence to duty, rather than the consequences it produces. The cornerstone of his ethical view is the Categorical Imperative, a principle that acts as a moral law, guiding actions by standards of rationality and universality.
Kant believed in the notion of perfect duties, which are duties we are obliged to follow unfailingly, such as not lying, not stealing, and keeping promises. These are in contrast to imperfect duties, which are not always obligatory but should be performed as much as possible. Perfect duties stem from the idea that if an action cannot be universally willed, it cannot be considered moral.
The Categorical Imperative can be formulated as: "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law." This means that one's actions should be such that they could be adopted by everyone without contradiction. Kant's insights form the basis for further discussions on ethics, such as those posed by Sir William David Ross, who recognized competing or prima facie duties, suggesting a more nuanced approach to moral dilemmas.