Which ethical framework emphasizes duties and rules over consequences?

Which ethical framework emphasizes duties and rules over consequences?

• A. Utilitarianism
• B. Deontology
• C. Care ethics
• D. Virtue ethics

Answer: (B)

Duties and rules guide moral judgment in deontology. This approach holds that some actions are right or wrong in themselves because they express moral duties or universal obligations, not because of the results they produce. A central idea, often associated with Kant, is that we should act according to maxims we could will to become universal laws and treat people as ends in themselves, never merely as means. Because of this focus on the inherent rightness of actions (the duty to tell the truth, keep promises, respect autonomy), certain actions are deemed wrong even if they would lead to favorable outcomes. This contrasts with utilitarianism, which evaluates morality by consequences; care ethics, which centers on relationships and care in context; and virtue ethics, which emphasizes the character and dispositions of the person acting.

Duties and rules guide moral judgment in deontology. This approach holds that some actions are right or wrong in themselves because they express moral duties or universal obligations, not because of the results they produce. A central idea, often associated with Kant, is that we should act according to maxims we could will to become universal laws and treat people as ends in themselves, never merely as means. Because of this focus on the inherent rightness of actions (the duty to tell the truth, keep promises, respect autonomy), certain actions are deemed wrong even if they would lead to favorable outcomes. This contrasts with utilitarianism, which evaluates morality by consequences; care ethics, which centers on relationships and care in context; and virtue ethics, which emphasizes the character and dispositions of the person acting.