Question 1

In what ways have Western philosophers traditionally marginalized and shown disrespect for women? How does feminist ethics seek to address this problem? Do you think it succeeds? Why or why not?

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Question 2

Compare and contrast the ethics of care with one of the ethical theories discussed previously. What advantages do you think the ethics of care has over the alternative theory you've chosen? In what ways is the other theory preferable? Which do you think is ultimately more satisfactory, and why?

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Question 3

Write an essay discussing the ethical value of impartiality. Why do feminists downplay the importance of impartiality, and why have other philosophers held it to be important? Is impartiality an important ethical value or not? Defend your answers.

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Question 4

What are some of the distinctive experiences of women, and how have feminist ethicists suggested that these should inform our moral theorizing? Do you think they are correct in thinking this? Why or why not?

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Question 5

Write an essay discussing the ethical concept of rights. What role has this concept traditionally played, and why do feminists think that it has been overemphasized? Do you agree with the feminist critique? Why or why not?

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Question 6

Case Study
Jacob and Diana are spouses who have an extremely close relationship. They have a "no secrets" policy-they tell each other nearly everything and never keep anything important from each other. The only things they ever keep secret are things like gifts or surprise parties. They believe that this degree of openness and trust allows them to have a deeper and more meaningful relationship than would otherwise be possible.
Recently, Jacob's childhood friend Nicole revealed to him a dark, traumatic secret from her past. Nicole, distraught, asked Jacob to promise her not to repeat it to anyone, and Jacob, not wanting to upset her in the moment, agreed. But soon after, Jacob realized that keeping his promise would mean keeping something important for Diana, which would violate her trust. Diana knows Nicole but is much less close with her, so Jacob understands why Nicole would not want her to know. But he and Diana tell each other everything-that's just how it is.
-To what features of this situation would a feminist ethical approach tell us to be sensitive in determining what Jacob should do? How would this approach to understanding what Jacob should do differ from traditional ethical approaches to such cases? Which approach is better?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Case Study
Jacob and Diana are spouses who...

Question 7

Case Study
Jacob and Diana are spouses who have an extremely close relationship. They have a "no secrets" policy-they tell each other nearly everything and never keep anything important from each other. The only things they ever keep secret are things like gifts or surprise parties. They believe that this degree of openness and trust allows them to have a deeper and more meaningful relationship than would otherwise be possible.
Recently, Jacob's childhood friend Nicole revealed to him a dark, traumatic secret from her past. Nicole, distraught, asked Jacob to promise her not to repeat it to anyone, and Jacob, not wanting to upset her in the moment, agreed. But soon after, Jacob realized that keeping his promise would mean keeping something important for Diana, which would violate her trust. Diana knows Nicole but is much less close with her, so Jacob understands why Nicole would not want her to know. But he and Diana tell each other everything-that's just how it is.
-Does the fact that this case involves interpersonal relationships make a feminist ethical approach particularly apt? Is a feminist approach generally more useful than a traditional approach when it comes to the ethics of relationships? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer