LIBS659

This course will introduce students to two ethical systems "Justice and Care" their interplay and their implications for education. The Justice ethic holds that morality is based on objective rationality, that individuals are freely autonomous, and that human rights must be defended. The Care ethic holds that morality is based on subjective and emotional relationships, that individuals are interconnected, and that human responsibilities must be upheld. After exploring each ethical system we will compare the two and ask: Are Justice and Care really rival ethical systems, or one system? Which one should be employed to live an ethical life? Which one should be employed in making public policy? Are these two ethical theories gendered masculine and feminine? The last unit of the course will assess Justice and Care in education: What place should either ethic have in classroom pedagogy? How do Justice and Care ethics impact important educational debates, such as affirmative action, school vouchers, and sexual harassment?