What does the term "Deontology" primarily emphasize?

The term "Deontology" primarily emphasizes the intrinsic morality of actions themselves rather than the consequences of those actions. This ethical framework, most notably associated with the philosopher Immanuel Kant, asserts that certain actions are morally obligatory regardless of the outcomes they produce. Deontology posits that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by whether it aligns with a fixed set of rules or duties.

In contrast to utilitarianism, which focuses on the results or outcomes of actions, deontology maintains that moral principles should be adhered to based on their inherent value. This means that certain actions may be deemed wrong even if they lead to positive outcomes. By grounding moral assessments in the nature of the actions and the intentions behind them, deontology provides a framework where individuals are held accountable for their decisions based purely on ethical guidelines, independent of real-world consequences.