Which ethical framework is duty-based and focuses on rules and obligations regardless of outcome?

• A. Virtuous Ethics
• B. Utilitarian Ethics
• C. Deontology
• D. Consequentialist Ethics

Answer: (C)

Duty-based thinking evaluates actions by whether they follow a rule or duty, not by the results they bring. Deontology embodies this approach. It holds that some duties are binding regardless of consequences, so the right action is the one that follows a universal rule. Kant’s idea of the categorical imperative captures this: act only on maxims you could will to become universal laws, and treat people as ends in themselves rather than as means. This means you’d keep promises, tell the truth, and respect autonomy even if breaking the rule would yield a better outcome. By contrast, utilitarian ethics centers on outcomes and maximizing overall good, virtuous ethics focuses on character, and consequentialist ethicsAssess actions by their results. The described framework is thus deontology.