Which ethical perspective emphasizes relationships and responsibilities according to Carol Gilligan?

The correct response highlights the ethical perspective known as caring ethics, which is foundational in Carol Gilligan's work. Gilligan proposed a different approach to moral development that focuses on the role of care and relationships rather than solely on justice or rights, which are frequently emphasized in traditional ethical theories.

This perspective views ethical behavior as rooted in interpersonal relationships and the responsibilities that arise from them. It stresses empathy, compassion, and the significance of maintaining connections with others. Caring ethics involves considering the impact of decisions on the well-being of individuals and relationships, thus prioritizing relational dynamics over abstract principles.

Gilligan's emphasis on this perspective arose from her critique of traditional male-centered moral frameworks that often prioritize individual rights and objective rules. Instead, caring ethics calls attention to the value of interdependence and the moral obligations we have toward one another, which is critical in understanding ethical behavior in the context of human relationships.

In contrast, options like rights-based ethics, utilitarian ethics, and deontological ethics focus more on strict principles, rules, or outcomes rather than the nuances of relationships and responsibilities inherent in caring ethics.