Question

In terms of undercover police operations, Kantian deontology or ethical formalism would most likely assert which of the following? a. Support undercover operations even if innocent people are deceived, as long as the greater good was being served. b. ​Condemn undercover operations where innocent people are deceived because such actions could not be justified under the categorical imperative. c. Allow undercover operations only if the general community approved the action ahead of time. d. Condemn undercover operations if the police agent failed to gather necessary intelligence or useful evidence.

Answer 1

Answer: b. ​Condemn undercover operations where innocent people are deceived because such actions could not be justified under the categorical imperative.

Explanation:

Kantian deontology is a principle that espouses that humans should follow set and objective rules when it comes to ethics. These set rules are the moral guidelines that are acceptable the world over such as avoiding cheating, lying, deception or theft.

If an undercover operation will lead to innocent people being deceived then such an operation should not be undertaken under the Kantian deontology because it goes against the categorial imperative (objective rule) of avoiding deception.