Description:
NEL NODDINGS AND THE ETHICS OF CARE. Nel Noddings is one of the premierphilosophers of the ethics of care. Her elaboration of this ethics has resul-ted in a complex relation-based theory. Noddings defines care as a conti-nuing, reciprocal relationship between the carer and the cared-for. Thecaring relation is complete only if the cared-for confirms the value of thecare. The ethics of care attaches no importance to principles, since thecarer looks for guidance to the needs of the cared-for, rather than toprinciples of justice. Local and particular ethical decisions are seen as morevalid than universal principles. In this article I discuss a number of pro-blems by applying the ethics of care to all levels and aspects of schooling,from policy to the teacher–student relationship. More recently, Noddingsand philosophers who defend an ethics of justice, e.g. Strike, have agreedthat these theories are complementary. Noddings still argues, though, thatcare is the most adequate ethical theory for moral events in schools. Theconclusion drawn here is that neither the ethics of care nor the ethics ofjustice may be enough to guide teachers in their ethically demanding andcomplex practice.