Final answer:
D. Duty Ethics
Deontology is a normative ethical theory that determines moral action based on adherence to duties or rules, rather than outcomes of actions. It was developed by Immanuel Kant, who introduced the notion of categorical imperatives that should be universally applicable, and further adapted by deontologists like W. D. Ross who also considered consequences within the context of duties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Deontology (Duty-Based Ethics)
Deontology, also known as duty ethics, is a normative ethical theory focused on adherence to moral rules or duties to determine the rightness of actions. Developed by philosopher Immanuel Kant, deontology posits that actions are intrinsically right or wrong based on whether they conform to moral norms, regardless of the consequences. Kant introduced the idea of the categorical imperative, which is a rational method for devising moral laws that must apply universally.
Later deontologists, such as W. D. Ross, acknowledged that consequences are relevant but should be considered within the context of our duties. Deontological approaches stand in contrast to other ethical frameworks like consequentialism, which judges actions by their outcomes, and virtue ethics, which focuses on the cultivation of moral character traits. In deontology, certain actions, such as the torture of spies, are considered wrong regardless of potentially positive consequences, like the early ending of a war.