Care Ethics and Milton Mayeroff's On Caring
1. Introduction to Care Ethics
The Ethics of Care, or Care Ethics, emerged in the latter half of the 20th century as a response to dominant
moral theories-primarily utilitarianism and deontology. These traditional frameworks often emphasized
rationality, impartiality, and abstract rules, sidelining the role of emotions, relationships, and dependency in
moral life. Care ethics seeks to fill this gap by recognizing that much of human life is structured around
networks of care, especially those involving children, the elderly, the sick, and the vulnerable. Originating in
feminist scholarship-especially through Carol Gilligan's critique of Kohlberg's moral development theory-care
ethics emphasizes relational interdependence and context-sensitive decision-making.
2. Core Concepts and Nature of Care Ethics
Care ethics prioritizes care as a fundamental moral value. It sees morality as emerging from caring
relationships, and emphasizes emotions, responsiveness, and attentiveness. This contrasts with rule-based
theories by valuing partiality and contextual decision-making. Human beings are viewed as interdependent
and vulnerable, requiring a framework of ethics that accounts for real-life relationships.
3. Care Ethics vs. Traditional Ethical Theories
In contrast to Utilitarianism (which focuses on maximizing happiness), Deontology (which focuses on duties),
and Virtue Ethics (which focuses on character), Care Ethics focuses on relationships and emotional
responsiveness. It values particular relationships over universal laws, and sees moral reasoning as
fundamentally context-sensitive.
4. Methodology of Care Ethics
Care ethics relies on narratives and context, prioritizes particularity over universality, embraces emotions as
sources of moral knowledge, and emphasizes mutual growth. It rejects abstract hypotheticals in favor of
real-life moral complexity.
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Care Ethics and Milton Mayeroff's On Caring
5. Milton Mayeroff's On Caring (Parts II-IV)
Mayeroff defines caring as helping another person grow. He identifies elements of caring such as Knowing,
Alternating Rhythms, Patience, Honesty, Trust, Humility, Hope, and Courage. These elements reflect a deep,
humanistic engagement with others' development.
6. Mayeroff's Contribution to Care Ethics
Mayeroff's work enriches care ethics by emphasizing personal growth, mutual development, and caring as a
mode of being. Caring is not transactional; it is a deep moral commitment to another's self-actualization.
7. Applications and Relevance Today
Care ethics is applied in healthcare, education, law, and public policy. It promotes inclusivity, empathy, and
attentiveness to vulnerable populations, offering a humane framework for social decision-making.
8. Critical Reflections
Strengths include its humanism and real-life relevance. Critiques point to subjectivity, risk of caregiver
exploitation, and lack of universal norms. These are often addressed through integration with justice
frameworks.
9. Conclusion
Care Ethics transforms moral thinking by centering emotional bonds and relational responsibilities. Milton
Mayeroff's insights underscore that caring is a moral and existential act, vital for individual and collective
flourishing.
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