Final answer:
The statement is false; deontological approaches are characterized by applying strict moral rules to concrete cases. Deontologists rely on universal moral principles like Kant's categorical imperative. This contrasts with normative ethical relativism, which posits that moral norms are culturally relative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that deontological approaches never apply strict moral rules or norms to concrete cases is False. In fact, deontological theories are known for applying strict moral rules to cases. Deontology, as a moral philosophy, is concerned with the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, grounded in the notion of duty and rules.
Immanuel Kant, a prominent figure in deontological ethics, introduced the concept of the categorical imperative, which is a set of universal moral principles that all rational beings are obliged to follow irrespective of the consequences. This imperative is the foundation for applying strict moral norms to specific cases in deontological ethical frameworks.
Moreover, deontological ethics stand in contrast to normative ethical relativism, which suggests that moral principles are relative to cultural norms and not universally applicable. Deontologists maintain that some moral rules are absolute and must be applied uniformly in all cases, rather than being adjusted according to cultural contexts or personal goals.