Deontology is a school of ethical thought that defines the morality of an action based on its adherence to rules or duties, rather than the consequences of that action. Often summarized as "duty-based ethics," it argues that some actions are inherently right or wrong regardless of their outcomes. The Foundation of Duty

Treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of another, always as an end and never merely as a means to an end. This forbids using people as "tools" to achieve a goal. Key Characteristics of Deontological Ethics

It focuses on the obligations of the individual person. My duty is to ensure my actions are moral, regardless of what others do.

Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law. In other words, if you wouldn't want everyone else to do it (like lying or stealing), you shouldn't do it yourself.