Deontological ethics, derived from the Greek word “deon” meaning duty, is a normative ethical theory that focuses on the morality of actions themselves, rather than the consequences of those actions. It posits that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the outcomes they produce.

Key points:

1. Duty and Rules: Central to deontological ethics is the concept of duty. Actions are judged based on their adherence to a set of rules or duties. For example, telling the truth is considered a duty, and thus lying is inherently wrong, even if it leads to a better outcome.

2. Immanuel Kant: The most prominent philosopher associated with deontological ethics is Immanuel Kant. He argued that moral actions are those performed out of a sense of duty and guided by the Categorical Imperative, which is a universal moral law. One formulation of the Categorical Imperative is to act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law.

3. Intentions Matter: In deontological ethics, the intention behind an action is crucial. An action is morally good if it is done with the right intention, even if it results in negative consequences.

4. Rights and Justice: Deontological ethics often emphasizes the importance of individual rights and justice. Actions that violate these rights are considered morally wrong, regardless of the consequences.

5. Criticism: One major criticism of deontological ethics is that it can lead to rigid and sometimes counterintuitive moral decisions. For example, it might require telling the truth even if doing so results in harm to others.

In summary, deontological ethics is a duty-based approach to morality that judges actions based on their adherence to moral rules or duties, rather than their consequences. It emphasizes the importance of intentions, individual rights, and justice.