What does the term "deontology" refer to in ethics?

The term "deontology" refers to an ethical approach that emphasizes the importance of rules and duties. This perspective asserts that the morality of an action is largely determined by whether it adheres to certain set principles or rules, rather than focusing solely on the consequences of the action.

For instance, deontologists believe that there are moral obligations that must be followed, regardless of the outcomes. This is often linked to the works of philosophers such as Immanuel Kant, who argued that actions must align with a sense of duty and that moral laws apply universally across all situations.

In contrast, other ethical approaches like utilitarianism prioritize the outcomes or happiness derived from an action, while the subjective nature of morality is explored in relativistic or existentialist philosophies. The notion of a social contract pertains to political and moral philosophy that suggests moral and political obligations arise from an agreement among individuals to form a society, which does not encapsulate the core tenets of deontological ethics. Therefore, focusing on rules and duties distinguishes deontology clearly from these other ethical frameworks.