How do deontological ethics and consequentialist ethics differ?

Deontological and consequentialist ethics represent two fundamental, opposing approaches to moral philosophy regarding how we determine the rightness or wrongness of an action.

Consequentialist Ethics

Consequentialism, also known as teleological ethics, holds that the morality of an action is determined solely by its outcomes. An action is considered right if it produces a good result or achieves a desirable end, such as maximizing pleasure, happiness, or the satisfaction of preferences. Because the focus is on the "end," consequentialists often face the challenge of whether the ends can justify the means, even if those means involve actions typically considered immoral.12

Deontological Ethics

Deontological ethics argues that the morality of an action is based on the nature of the act itself, rather than its consequences. Derived from the Greek word deon (duty), this framework asserts that certain actions are inherently obligatory or prohibited regardless of the outcome. For example, Immanuel Kant emphasized that individuals must act according to moral laws and treat humanity always as an end, never merely as a means. Today, the global emphasis on human rights is often viewed as a triumph of this deontological commitment to duty.32