Which philosophy places emphasis on duties and rules in ethical reasoning?

The philosophy that emphasizes duties and rules in ethical reasoning is duty-based ethics. This ethical approach, often associated with the philosopher Immanuel Kant, focuses on the inherent obligation to follow moral rules and principles. Duty-based ethics holds that certain actions are morally obligatory, regardless of the consequences that may arise from those actions. Adherence to these duties is seen as paramount because they are rooted in ethical norms that apply universally.

For instance, under this ethical framework, telling the truth is a duty that has to be upheld, no matter the circumstances or outcomes that might result from being honest. This contrasts with other ethical theories, such as utilitarianism, which evaluates the rightness of an action based on its consequences and overall utility. Similarly, virtue ethics centers on character and the development of moral virtues rather than strict adherence to rules. Lastly, situational ethics prioritizes the context of a situation over fixed duties or rules, suggesting that moral decisions should be made based on the particular circumstances rather than a predefined set of ethical guidelines.