Deontologists are ethical theorists who believe that the morality of an action is based on whether it adheres to rules or duties, rather than its consequences. This approach emphasizes the importance of following moral principles, such as honesty and justice, regardless of the outcomes. The term comes from the Greek word "deon," meaning "duty." One of the most well-known deontologists is Immanuel Kant, who argued that actions are morally right if they can be universally applied as a law. Deontologists often prioritize individual rights and responsibilities, making their ethical framework distinct from consequentialist theories, which focus on the results of actions.