Which ethical theory emphasizes duties and rights rather than outcomes?

Which ethical theory emphasizes duties and rights rather than outcomes?

• A. Rights and Duties
• B. Utilitarianism
• C. CSR
• D. Ethical Sourcing

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is about judging morality by what we ought to do and the rights people hold, not by what happens as a result. The rights-and-duties approach reflects deontological ethics, where actions themselves are evaluated as right or wrong based on rules and obligations, and on respecting individuals’ rights, regardless of the outcome. This is why it’s the best fit: it emphasizes following duties and honoring rights as the core of morality. For example, telling the truth and keeping promises are duties that should be followed even if lying could produce a better overall result. In contrast, focusing on outcomes is the hallmark of utilitarianism, which looks at whether the consequences maximize overall good. Corporate-social concepts like CSR or ethical sourcing relate to responsible behavior in business, but they don’t define a theory that centers on duties and rights in the same way as the rights-and-duties approach.

The main idea here is about judging morality by what we ought to do and the rights people hold, not by what happens as a result. The rights-and-duties approach reflects deontological ethics, where actions themselves are evaluated as right or wrong based on rules and obligations, and on respecting individuals’ rights, regardless of the outcome.

This is why it’s the best fit: it emphasizes following duties and honoring rights as the core of morality. For example, telling the truth and keeping promises are duties that should be followed even if lying could produce a better overall result.

In contrast, focusing on outcomes is the hallmark of utilitarianism, which looks at whether the consequences maximize overall good. Corporate-social concepts like CSR or ethical sourcing relate to responsible behavior in business, but they don’t define a theory that centers on duties and rights in the same way as the rights-and-duties approach.