Which ethical framework is a duty-oriented system based on moral rules and unchanging principles?

Which ethical framework is a duty-oriented system based on moral rules and unchanging principles?

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

Answer: (A)

A duty-oriented framework evaluates actions by whether they align with moral obligations and unchanging rules, not by the outcomes they produce. This approach, deontology, holds that certain acts are right or wrong in themselves because of the duties or moral laws they express. It emphasizes adhering to these duties even if the results would be better in some other way. A classic idea here is testing maxims against the notion of universal law: if you can will that a rule be a universal standard for everyone, the action aligns with duty; if not, it’s not allowed. So honesty is treated as a duty because lying would undermine the very rule you’d want to apply universally. In contrast, utilitarianism looks to the consequences of actions to determine what’s right, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number. Virtue ethics focuses on the character traits and the kind of person you should become. Care ethics centers on relationships and the responsive obligations we have within them. The description given—duty-based, rule-bound, unchanging principles—best fits deontology.

A duty-oriented framework evaluates actions by whether they align with moral obligations and unchanging rules, not by the outcomes they produce. This approach, deontology, holds that certain acts are right or wrong in themselves because of the duties or moral laws they express. It emphasizes adhering to these duties even if the results would be better in some other way. A classic idea here is testing maxims against the notion of universal law: if you can will that a rule be a universal standard for everyone, the action aligns with duty; if not, it’s not allowed. So honesty is treated as a duty because lying would undermine the very rule you’d want to apply universally.

In contrast, utilitarianism looks to the consequences of actions to determine what’s right, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number. Virtue ethics focuses on the character traits and the kind of person you should become. Care ethics centers on relationships and the responsive obligations we have within them. The description given—duty-based, rule-bound, unchanging principles—best fits deontology.