Holistic Definition of Ethics

Traditionally, ethics has been viewed as having one moral perspective or orientation in the analysis of any given circumstance; that is the justice perspective. Human beings tend to abide by a set of ethical rules, laws and objective principles in their ability to reason. But ethics has another little-known orientation; the care perspective which has always been sidelined and considered less useful in developing a moral standing as opposed to justice. While it is a common notion that obedience to rules and principles is the very essence of ethical action, our relationship with other human beings and our understanding of their emotions and feelings also form a more important basis of the steps we take. None of these two perspectives is more effective than the other, and none should be applied at the expense of the other, instead, taking into account both perspectives and developing a moral injunction not to act unfairly towards others, and not to turn away from someone in need, captures the essence of any ethical action.

While justice emphasizes on acting along a set of rules and principles, care builds on the emotional aspect of handling other people. When applied together, one can inform a decision that is just and considerate. Historically, men have been known to play by the rules which they consider reasonable and fair in handling situations while women by nature have always been more emotional than males hence are more reliant on care as a moral ground. They feel more inclined to understand and consider feelings which form the basis of their judgment. Studies have shown females as being willing to make exceptions in rules as it relates to the given emotional states and develop alternative measures while males show strict adherence fixed set of principles. This proves the point that gender, rather than social construction, inborn predilections or intellectual developments affect the choice of a moral perspective. The studies further point out that since males conduct most of the researches in philosophy, they tend to portray justice as the ultimate moral orientation. However, if the studies were to include more female participants, they would begin to appreciate the care in moral development.