What does deontology emphasize?

What does deontology emphasize?

• A. Focuses on following moral rules and moral principles.
• B. Focuses on the consequences of actions.
• C. Focuses on the character of the person.
• D. Maximizes overall happiness.

Answer: (A)

Deontology emphasizes duties and universal moral rules as the basis for ethical judgments. An action is right if it follows these rules or obligations, regardless of the consequences. So, doing the right thing means adhering to moral principles—like honesty, promises, or fairness—because that’s what one owes morally, not because it would produce a better outcome. This contrasts with evaluating actions by their results, by the character of the person (virtue ethics), or by maximizing happiness (utilitarianism).

Deontology emphasizes duties and universal moral rules as the basis for ethical judgments. An action is right if it follows these rules or obligations, regardless of the consequences. So, doing the right thing means adhering to moral principles—like honesty, promises, or fairness—because that’s what one owes morally, not because it would produce a better outcome. This contrasts with evaluating actions by their results, by the character of the person (virtue ethics), or by maximizing happiness (utilitarianism).