Which ethical framework states that actions are right or wrong independently of their consequences?

The correct choice focuses on deontological ethics, which is centered around the idea that actions are evaluated based on their adherence to rules or duties, rather than their outcomes. This ethical framework emphasizes moral principles and duties that individuals must follow, regardless of the potential consequences of their actions. According to this viewpoint, certain actions are inherently right or wrong based solely on a set of established moral laws or obligations.

Deontological ethics is often associated with philosophers like Immanuel Kant, who argued that moral actions are those performed out of a sense of duty and adherence to universal maxims. This stands in contrast to consequentialist approaches, which assess the morality of an action based on the results it produces. In this way, deontological ethics provides a framework for evaluating the morality of actions based on intrinsic properties rather than the context or outcomes.

Understanding this framework is crucial for engaging with ethical dilemmas where adherence to rules or principles must be weighed against potential consequences, giving a clear distinction between different ethical perspectives.