What is deontological ethics centered on?

• A. Consequences of actions
• B. Adherence to rules or duties
• C. Maximizing overall happiness
• D. Cultural beliefs and practices

Answer: (B)

Deontological ethics is centered on adherence to rules or duties, emphasizing that certain actions are morally obligatory, permissible, or forbidden based on established principles, regardless of the outcomes those actions may produce. This ethical framework posits that moral reasoning should be guided by the adherence to universal maxims or rules that dictate what is right or wrong.

In this view, the morality of an action is grounded in its compliance with these moral duties or rules rather than its consequences, which distinguishes it from consequentialist theories. Deontological ethics champions a sense of duty and obligation, asserting that individuals have certain rights and responsibilities that must be honored in their moral decision-making. This approach also resonates with Kantian ethics, where the categorical imperative serves as a vital guide to determining moral actions based on rationality and universality of principles.