Ethics of Care: Principles and Theory-

Dr Wan Mohd Hirwani Wan Hussain- Graduate School of Business,

UKM Malaysia (wmhwh@ukm.edu.my)

Ethics of care is a moral theory that implies a moral significance in the fundamental

elements of relationships in human life. Ethics of care is relevant in the context of global politics

and the involvement of the community as a whole but it seems more relevant to personal

relationships among family and friends.

Ethics of care mentioned that a person will achieve more happiness through good

personal relationship with others. This is because the natural instinct of a man himself caring for

each other because each human life are dependent on each other. Therefore, how our actions in

making the right or wrong decision will depend on the needs of anyone who has a close personal

relationship with us.

The question that arises is whether we need to establish a personal relationship or we can

ignore it? Personal relationships are important in the ethics of care because we as individuals

need to cultivate and maintain good relations among human beings. The relationship will

certainly keep us feeling happy with others. In addition, of course, we need to care for those who

are under our guarantee, such as parents, spouses, and children. As we strengthen personal

relationships with other people, certainly ourselves in need of personal relationships from others.

However, there are several arguments against the ethics of care approach. Two key

questions are about the existence of favouristism in any decision-making because of the inherent

conflict of interest. In addition, there is an understanding that a person will feel that he is in need

of a guard at all times without the need to be independent.

Carol Gilligan, an American ethicist conveys her understanding of the relevant ethics of

care through three stages. Gilligan's attempt to place more emphasis on human connectedness is

crucial to a more nuanced understanding of the role of empathy.

Gilligan is placed closer to the nurture side because she stresses the role played by a

mother (as she is typically the care-giver in early years) in the upbringing and development of

children.

STAGE 1: PRECONVENTIONAL MORALITY (Goal: Individual Survival)

First Transition: Selfishness to responsibility to others

STAGE 2: CONVENTIONAL MORALITY (Goodness: Self-Sacrifice)

Second Transition: Goodness to holistic truth

STAGE 3: POSTCONVENTIONAL MORALITY (Principle: Nonviolence)

Stage 1 is preconventional morality. This means that the main purpose of an individual

wants to make a decision is because of individual survival. At this stage, the individual will make

an assessment of the best thing for him. For growth to occur there must be a transition from

selfishness to responsibility to others. The individual no longer think about self-interest and starts

to think about the responsibility to others.

The second stage is the conventional morality. At this stage, the act of self-sacrifice is

seen as goodness. You recognize and learn to care for others and feel that selfishness is wrong.

For growth to occur there must be a transition from holistic to goodness truth. You realize that

you also need others to take care of yourself.

The third stage is post conventional morality. At this stage, you embrace the principle of

nonviolence. This means that you do not want to hurt others or even yourself. You're getting

wise to think about the importance of maintaining and meet other people needs, including

yourself and having a link between both these requirements. However, the fact is difficult to

meet the needs of both parties at the same time and most people still do not reach this stage.