Which statement best contrasts deontological ethics with consequentialism?

• A. Deontological ethics emphasize duties and rules; consequentialism emphasizes outcomes
• B. Deontological ethics emphasize outcomes; consequentialism emphasizes duties
• C. Both ignore animal welfare
• D. Both rely on divine command

Answer: (A)

The difference being tested is how these two ethical theories judge what makes an action right. Deontological ethics assess actions by whether they are in line with duties, rules, or moral principles—what one ought to do regardless of the consequences. Consequentialism, in contrast, evaluates actions by their outcomes—the right action is the one that leads to the best results. This contrast is best illustrated by considering a lie: under deontological ethics, lying is typically wrong if it violates a moral rule about truth-telling, even if it would produce good consequences. Under consequentialism, if telling a lie would maximize welfare or minimize harm, it could be considered acceptable or even required. The other statements miss the essential distinction: animal welfare can be weighed differently across frameworks, and divine command is yet another metaethical position, not the defining contrast between these two theories.