Final answer:
The belief that actions are morally right or wrong based on whether they fulfill our duty, regardless of the outcomes, is known as deontology. This non-consequentialist approach to ethics, especially associated with Immanuel Kant, emphasizes adherence to universal moral duties and the concept of 'good will' over consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Non-Consequentialist Theory:
The belief that the rightness or wrongness of actions does not depend on their consequences but on whether they fulfill our duty is known as a non-consequentialist theory of ethics, specifically, deontology. In deontology, the morality of an action is primarily determined by its adherence to a set of rules or duties, and the consequences of such actions are generally considered irrelevant. This ethical framework is closely associated with the philosophy of Immanuel Kant. Kant believed that morality is a system of rules derived from universal rational principles and that our duty is to act according to these rules, not according to the outcomes our actions may produce
Deontological Ethics:
Deontological ethical theories argue that actions are intrinsically right or wrong, independent of their consequences. These theories are founded on the premise that there are absolute moral rules or duties that one must follow. Kant's deontological system suggests that good will or the intention to perform one's moral duties, is the only thing with unconditional value. This contrasts with consequentialist theories which posit that the rightness of an action is solely determined by its consequences or the amount of good it produces.
Kantian Ethics: Human Reason and Morality:
Kant's normative moral theory is anchored in his view on human rationality and agency. He argued that humans are capable of rational thought, decision-making, and therefore, moral agency—traits that separate us from other animals. By acting in accordance with our rational duties we exhibit 'good will' and integrity in our moral endeavors.