Deontology is best described as?

• A. Morals vary with culture or situation
• B. A system of moral rules and unchanging principles—the action is more important than the consequences
• C. The action is more important than the consequences
• D. The goal of society should be the greatest happiness for the greatest number

Answer: (B)

Deontology centers on duties and rules. It treats certain actions as right or wrong in themselves, independent of the outcome. The morality of an act is determined by whether it follows a duty or universal principle, not by whether it produces the best results. This emphasis on unchanging principles means doing what is morally required, even if the consequences are not favorable. For example, telling the truth is considered right because it adheres to a duty of honesty, even if lying might seem to yield a better outcome in a particular situation. This contrasts with moral relativism, which says morals vary with culture or context, and with theories that judge actions by their consequences, such as utilitarianism, which aims for the greatest happiness for the greatest number.