Which ethical theory focuses on individual motives and morals?

The ethical theory that focuses on individual motives and morals is deontology. This theory is based on the belief that the morality of an action is based on whether that action adheres to a set of rules or duties rather than the consequences of the action. Deontologists emphasize the importance of intention—what motivates an individual to act—and the inherent morality of the actions themselves, regardless of the outcome.

In this context, deontology posits that ethical behavior is determined by the agent's adherence to certain moral principles or duties. Therefore, when assessing individual actions, deontology considers the individual's intentions and whether they align with established ethical norms, making motive a central aspect of moral evaluation. This contrasts with utilitarianism, which evaluates the moral worth based on the outcome; virtue ethics, which focuses on the character of the moral agent; and consequentialism, which also considers outcomes rather than individual motives.