Ethics of Care Theory. Literature & Language Research Paper

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Research Paper
There are a lot of moral theories and approaches that have been developed by philosophers even during the earlier centuries, to provide a structure regarding how a man should act. It also gives the meaning as to why a particular act is considered right or wrong. These proposed theories provide different perspectives that enable man to rationalize and evaluate his/her decisions, and to promote what is considered as the “right” decision. Among the numerous available theories, this paper aims to specifically discuss the ethics of care theory and its application to the case scenarios that will be presented.
Ethics of Care Theory
The ethics of care is a theory that showcases feminist views. It is an alternative moral theory that is quite different from the previously developed moral theories that were mostly focused on justice. The ethics of care theory puts importance on emotions and caring relationships, which are usually downplayed aspects of humanity when looked at through androcentric moral approaches. The ethics of care theory was also developed as a criticism of most of the moral theories that are described to be “masculine”. In comparison to the ethics of justice that is all about equality, fairness, and rational decision-making, the ethics of care theory is holistic, emotional, harmonious, and considers the need in the situation. These two theories are said to be representing opposite poles (Held, 2006).
This theory, as stated in its name, is focused on “care”. This leads to the need to define what care is, and this involves both practice and basic human emotions and values. Empathy, a sense of responsibility, mutuality, and sensitivity are some of the concepts that may be associated with the ethics of care (Perpich, 2006). These concepts became the foundation of this theory with a perspective that recognizes how interdependent each human being is, and because of this, the focus of the ethics of care theory is caring social relationships.
The ethics of care theory is associated with feminists because of the social role of women to devote their lives to caring and working for other people. Some examples showcasing women’s care and devotion are caring for a child, doing household chores, and nursing the ill or the elderly. Challenges that are faced are seen as conflicts in the ethics of justice perspective, but the ethics of care, on the other hand, treats the challenges as vital in maintaining and nurturing human relationships. This also explains the sense of responsibility towards other people and the consideration of other people’s needs. These caring practices are applicable universally and to a wide range of human interaction and activity from inside a family to a big community (Olsaretti, 2018).
Case Study Summary: Blood for Sale
This case study entitled “Blood for Sale” presents numerous issues regarding blood donations. Plasma International is a company that supplies blood to the United States of America and South America for a profit. At the first trials of the business in buying blood from donors, it encountered people suffering from drug ...