Which ethical approach focuses primarily on the intentions behind actions?

The approach that emphasizes the intentions behind actions is deontological ethics. This ethical framework is grounded in the idea that the morality of an action is determined by whether it adheres to a set of rules or duties, rather than focusing solely on the outcomes of that action. In deontological ethics, the principles or rules themselves are considered inherently right or wrong, independent of their consequences.

This perspective values the motivation and reasoning of the individual making the decision, asserting that actions must align with moral duties and obligations. For instance, if someone acts with good intentions but does not achieve a positive outcome, their action can still be deemed morally acceptable if it followed a moral duty or principle. This contrasts sharply with other ethical approaches, like utilitarianism, which prioritize the outcomes or consequences of actions rather than the intentions behind them.