Who is the philosopher most associated with deontological ethics?

Deontological ethics is a moral framework that focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions themselves, rather than their consequences. Immanuel Kant is the philosopher most closely associated with this approach. He developed the idea that moral actions are guided by duty and that individuals should act according to maxims that can be universally applied — what he termed the "categorical imperative." According to Kant, actions must align with moral principles that respect the dignity and autonomy of all individuals, emphasizing that certain actions are morally obligatory regardless of the outcomes they produce.

This emphasis on duty and moral law is what distinctly characterizes deontological ethics, differentiating it from consequentialist theories, which prioritize the results of actions. Thus, Kant’s philosophical contributions fundamentally shape our understanding of moral obligations in ethical discussions, particularly in military ethics, where adherence to duty can be crucial in the practice of justice and moral conduct.