Which ethical framework emphasizes the rights of individuals?

Deontological ethics is centered around the belief that individuals have certain rights and duties that must be respected, regardless of the consequences of actions. This framework asserts that ethical principles are inherent and that actions can be judged as morally right or wrong based purely on their adherence to these principles, rather than their outcomes.

For instance, it emphasizes respecting individuals' autonomy, dignity, and the rights they hold simply by being human. This perspective often leads to the formulation of rules and duties that individuals should follow, aiming to uphold the inherent rights of each person. In contrast to other ethical frameworks, such as utilitarianism, which focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number, or consequentialism, which evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes, deontological ethics prioritizes the moral status of individuals themselves.

Therefore, the emphasis on individual rights is a hallmark of deontological ethics, making it the most appropriate answer in this context.