Which ethical theory bases moral obligation on duty and claims that actions are obligatory irrespective of their consequences?

Deontology is an ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of rules, duties, and obligations in determining moral conduct. According to this approach, certain actions are considered morally obligatory regardless of their potential consequences. This means that individuals have a duty to act in accordance with moral principles, and fulfilling these duties is seen as inherently valuable.

For example, under deontological ethics, telling the truth is a duty, and one must do so even if it may lead to negative outcomes. This contrasts with utilitarianism, which focuses on the consequences of actions and seeks to maximize overall happiness or utility, regardless of whether certain duties are fulfilled. Principlism involves balancing different moral principles, while altruism emphasizes selfless concern for the well-being of others.

Understanding the core of deontological ethics reinforces the idea that moral obligations arise from the nature of actions themselves rather than their outcomes, making it a distinctive and influential ethical framework in the field of nursing and healthcare.