The core difference between care and justice perspectives lies in how each views and approaches moral problems.
Understanding the Two Perspectives
These two moral frameworks offer distinct lenses through which we perceive, interpret, and ultimately solve ethical dilemmas. Here's a breakdown:
The Justice Perspective
- Focus: Views moral problems as conflicts between opposing claims arising from individual rights and duties.
- Basis: Relies on rules, principles, and abstract notions of fairness, equity, and impartiality.
- Method: Seeks to resolve conflicts by applying universal principles consistently to all individuals involved.
- Goal: To establish what is right or wrong based on pre-existing moral frameworks and rules.
- Example: A judge fairly applies the law without considering personal situations, focusing on the legal violations and their consequences.
The Care Perspective
- Focus: Views moral problems as resulting from tensions or ruptures in relationships.
- Basis: Focuses on empathy, relationships, responsiveness, and the needs of those involved.
- Method: Seeks to resolve conflicts by understanding the perspectives of all parties involved, maintaining connections, and seeking mutually agreeable solutions.
- Goal: To maintain or repair relationships, and to prioritize the needs and well-being of all individuals in connection.
- Example: A family counselor helps family members understand each other's emotional needs, aiming to rebuild fractured relationships through open communication and compassion.
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Justice Perspective | Care Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Problem View | Conflicts of rights & duties | Relationship tensions & ruptures |
| Moral Basis | Rules, rights, fairness, impartiality | Empathy, relationships, responsiveness, needs |
| Problem Solving | Application of universal principles | Understanding context & maintaining connections |
| Primary Goal | Establishing what is right/wrong | Maintaining or repairing relationships |
Practical Insights
- Complementary Nature: The justice and care perspectives aren't mutually exclusive and can be complementary. A well-rounded approach to ethics often involves considering both viewpoints.
- Real-World Application: Consider how a school handles bullying incidents. The justice perspective might focus on punishing the bully according to a code of conduct. The care perspective would involve understanding the reasons behind the bullying, facilitating discussions, and working to repair relationships between all parties.
Conclusion
In essence, the justice perspective is grounded in individual rights and universal rules, whereas the care perspective is grounded in maintaining and nurturing relationships and attending to individual needs. The reference clearly states that justice sees moral issues arising from "opposing claims arising from rights and duties between individuals," while care sees them as "arising from tensions or ruptures in relationships". Both perspectives offer valuable frameworks for understanding ethical dilemmas.
