[From Greek deontos: that which is binding, right, proper.]
(ethics) Emphasis on universal imperatives such moral laws, duties, obligations, prohibitions, and the like (sometimes also called imperativism). Kantianism is the prime example of a deontological theory. Deontologism is usually contrasted with teleologism (an emphasis on goals) or consequentialism (an emphasis on results), but sometimes is also contrasted with egoism or eudaimonism (an emphasis on personal happiness or fulfillment as opposed to conformance with moral imperatives). In practice, deontologism is often closely allied with intuitionism.