What is the focus of duty-based ethics?

The focus of duty-based ethics centers on the responsibilities and obligations individuals have towards others, emphasizing the importance of performing one's duty regardless of the consequences. This ethical framework is grounded in the belief that there are moral principles that dictate our responsibilities to various people, organizations, and society as a whole.

Duty-based ethics is often associated with deontological theories, which prioritize the adherence to rules and duties over the outcomes of specific actions. For example, a medical practitioner may have a duty to treat all patients with respect and care, addressing their needs and rights as part of their professional responsibility. This focus on fulfilling duties encourages ethical behavior that considers the rights and wellbeing of others, making it a foundational principle in healthcare settings.

In contrast, maximizing profits for medical practitioners or following personal ethical beliefs without regard to the impact on others diverges from the core principles of duty-based ethics. These alternatives prioritize outcomes or individual perspectives that can neglect the broader duties owed to patients and colleagues. Similarly, fulfilling emotional needs of patients, while important, does not encapsulate the broader and more systematic approach that duty-based ethics promotes regarding various relationships and obligations.