Deontology Definition

Deontology or deontological theory can be considered as an ethical theory that deals

with regulating duties, translating them into precepts, moral norms and rules of conduct,

leaving other aspects of morality out of its specific scope of interest.

The term deontology was first coined by Jeremy Bentham, who defines it as the

branch of art and science whose object is to do what is right and appropriate on each

occasion. When this theory is applied to the strict professional field, we speak of professional

deontology and it is it, consequently, that determines the duties that are minimally required of

professionals in the performance of their activity.

These duties are usually embodied in codes, codes of ethics that govern the actions of

the representatives of the profession (collegiate) so that desirable results are obtained through

good work. When we speak of professional deontology, this is understood as the criteria

shared by the professional group converted into a normative text, a code of ethics.

Professional deontology is therefore an ethics applied, approved and accepted by the

professional community, which entails a code of conduct, a classification of infractions, a

system for receiving and analyzing inquiries, proposals or complaints, a prosecution

procedure, and finally, if applicable, a system of sanctions.