Which of the following is NOT a deontologic principle?

• A. Utilitarianism
• B. Autonomy
• C. Nonmaleficence
• D. Beneficence

Answer: (A)

Deontology focuses on duties and rules that guide action regardless of the outcome. In medical ethics, this means principles like autonomy (respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions), nonmaleficence (not causing harm), and beneficence (acting in the patient’s best interest) are upheld as duties regardless of what would happen if you chose differently. Utilitarianism, however, is outcome-based: it judges an action by its consequences and aims to maximize overall good, even if that requires violating a rule or duty in some cases. Because of this difference, utilitarianism is not a deontologic principle, while autonomy, nonmaleficence, and beneficence are. For example, you respect a patient’s autonomous choice even if the outcome might be less favorable, you avoid causing harm, and you seek to benefit the patient—duties that hold regardless of the final tally of good versus bad outcomes.