Care Ethics and the Dynamics of Recognition

The paper examines Care Ethics as a vital ethical framework that promotes meaningful human relationships, as an alternative to traditional impartialist models like deontology and consequentialism. At its core, Care Ethics recognizes the inherent vulnerability of human beings and their relational and care needs, emphasizing the importance of responsibility towards others. The discussion delineates two interpretations of the individual: the view of an isolated, competitive entity and the alternative perspective that acknowledges the individual’s uniqueness and need for recognition. This latter viewpoint supports a vision of social cohesion grounded in interconnectedness and mutual support. A key focus of the paper is the examination of potential barriers and facilitators to recognition. In particular, an interpretative dimension represented by language, narratives and social categories, as well as cultural values, thought paradigms and subjective interpretations, and a purely experiential dimension, consisting of personal experiences and emotions. Additionally, the paper proposes a rethinking of social violence, to include not only overt acts of harm but also the denial of care, misrecognition, and indifference. Through this comprehensive analysis, the paper aspires to inspire reflections on how care practices can engender transformative change in communities, promoting social justice