deontology
/ˌdiːɑnˈtɑlədʒi/
noun
- An ethical theory that says actions are right or wrong based on rules and duties, not on their results.
- In deontology, keeping a promise is morally required even if breaking it would lead to a better outcome.
- Kant's deontology emphasizes that we should treat people as ends in themselves, never merely as means.
- Some critics of deontology argue that it can lead to rigid rules that ignore real-world complexities.