Carol Gilligan

Definition

Carol Gilligan is a prominent American feminist ethicist and psychologist known for her work on moral development, particularly in relation to women's perspectives on ethics. Her key contribution is the critique of traditional moral theories that often prioritize male-centric views of morality, proposing instead that women's moral reasoning is typically more relational and context-oriented. This perspective has significant implications for integrating ethical theories with applied ethics, particularly in understanding how gender influences ethical decision-making.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gilligan's book 'In a Different Voice' published in 1982 challenged the established theories of moral development, particularly those proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg.
2. Her research revealed that women often approach ethical dilemmas with a focus on relationships and care, contrasting with the justice-oriented approach typically emphasized in male models.
3. Gilligan argues that traditional ethics often undervalues the moral insights of women, leading to a skewed understanding of morality that fails to incorporate diverse perspectives.
4. Her work has paved the way for the development of feminist ethics, emphasizing the importance of context, relationships, and care in ethical considerations.
5. Gilligan's ideas have been influential in various fields, including education, psychology, and social policy, as they encourage a more inclusive understanding of ethics.

Review Questions

• How does Carol Gilligan's critique of traditional moral theories change our understanding of ethical decision-making?
  • Carol Gilligan's critique reveals that traditional moral theories often reflect a male-centric perspective that prioritizes justice over care. By highlighting women's relational approach to ethics, she shows that moral decision-making can be significantly influenced by context and relationships. This understanding encourages a more comprehensive view of ethics that values diverse perspectives and emphasizes care as a fundamental ethical principle.
• Discuss how Gilligan's work has influenced the development of feminist ethics and its implications for applied ethics.
  • Gilligan's research has been pivotal in shaping feminist ethics by challenging the traditional views of morality that often exclude women's experiences. By introducing the concept of an 'ethics of care,' she emphasizes the importance of relationships and responsibilities in ethical decision-making. This shift encourages applied ethics to consider diverse voices and contexts, promoting more inclusive and equitable approaches to ethical dilemmas.
• Evaluate the significance of Gilligan's findings on moral development in relation to current ethical debates surrounding gender and care.
  • Gilligan's findings hold great significance in contemporary ethical debates as they challenge the dominance of male-oriented frameworks in understanding morality. Her emphasis on care and relational ethics invites deeper discussions about how gender influences moral reasoning and decision-making processes. Evaluating her work in light of current issues, such as healthcare ethics or workplace relations, showcases the ongoing relevance of her ideas and underscores the necessity for a more nuanced approach to ethics that embraces both justice and care.

Related terms

Ethics of Care: A moral perspective that emphasizes interpersonal relationships and the importance of care and responsibility in ethical decision-making.

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development: A theory developed by Lawrence Kohlberg that outlines a series of stages through which individuals progress as they develop moral reasoning, which Gilligan critiqued for being male-oriented.

Feminist Ethics: An approach to ethics that seeks to address issues of gender inequality and considers the experiences and moral perspectives of women.