Which ethical framework focuses on duties and rules as the basis of morality?

Deontological ethics is based on the idea that morality is rooted in adherence to specific duties and rules, regardless of the consequences that may arise from following them. This ethical framework prioritizes the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions based on established principles or obligations, rather than the outcomes of those actions. For example, under deontological ethics, one might argue that telling the truth is an obligation, even if doing so leads to negative outcomes.

In this framework, moral actions are understood through the lens of obligations to perform certain tasks or to uphold specific rules, emphasizing the importance of intention and adherence to ethical norms. This distinguishes deontological ethics from utilitarianism and consequentialism, which assess morality primarily based on the outcomes or results of actions. Virtue ethics, on the other hand, focuses on the character and virtues of the moral agent rather than the application of duties or rules.