Gilligan

Definition

Carol Gilligan is a prominent feminist philosopher and psychologist known for her work on moral development, particularly in relation to women's ethics. She challenged traditional theories of moral reasoning that were predominantly male-centric, proposing an alternative perspective that emphasizes care and relationships as fundamental aspects of ethical decision-making. Her views resonate with feminist critiques of Enlightenment thought, particularly regarding how gender influences concepts of morality and rationality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gilligan's groundbreaking book 'In a Different Voice' published in 1982 highlighted the differences in male and female moral reasoning, emphasizing care over justice as a key component.
2. She argued that traditional moral theories, particularly those proposed by Kohlberg, were based on male experiences and did not adequately represent women's moral perspectives.
3. Gilligan's work helped lay the groundwork for the ethics of care, which argues that relationships and caring are central to ethical considerations.
4. Her research indicated that women's ways of knowing and understanding morality often prioritize connection and empathy, challenging the notion of objectivity in moral reasoning.
5. Gilligan's influence extends beyond philosophy; her ideas have impacted fields like psychology, education, and social policy, fostering a greater appreciation for diverse moral viewpoints.

Review Questions

• How did Carol Gilligan's work challenge traditional theories of moral development?
  • Carol Gilligan challenged traditional theories of moral development by highlighting their male-centric nature, particularly those proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg. She argued that these theories overlooked women's experiences and ethical reasoning, which often emphasize care and relationships instead of abstract principles. By introducing her perspective in 'In a Different Voice,' she encouraged a more inclusive understanding of morality that values different ways of knowing and reasoning.
• Discuss the implications of Gilligan's ethics of care on feminist responses to Enlightenment thought.
  • Gilligan's ethics of care has significant implications for feminist responses to Enlightenment thought by critiquing its emphasis on reason and individualism as universal ideals. She argues that this perspective ignores the importance of relationships and communal values, which are central to women's experiences. This critique fosters a broader understanding of morality that includes the relational dimensions of human life, challenging the notion that objective rationality is the only valid approach to ethics.
• Evaluate the impact of Gilligan's ideas on contemporary discussions about gender and morality.
  • Gilligan's ideas have profoundly impacted contemporary discussions about gender and morality by reshaping how we understand ethical frameworks. Her emphasis on care as a valid ethical approach has opened up dialogues about how different genders perceive morality differently, encouraging more inclusive discussions within philosophy, psychology, and social policy. By recognizing that both justice-oriented and care-oriented perspectives are essential for a complete understanding of ethics, her work continues to challenge established norms and promote diverse voices in moral discourse.

Related terms

Ethics of Care: A moral perspective that prioritizes interpersonal relationships and the responsibilities that arise from them, contrasting with traditional ethics that focus on abstract principles and justice.

Moral Development:

The process through which individuals develop their understanding of right and wrong, often influenced by societal norms, personal experiences, and cultural context.

Kohlberg: Lawrence Kohlberg was a psychologist who proposed a stage theory of moral development that was criticized by Gilligan for its male bias and lack of consideration for women’s moral reasoning.