- Published: December 8, 2021
- Updated: December 8, 2021
- University / College: University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
- Level: Secondary School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 38
One example where these theories fail is the bad-parent case. It is necessary that a parent instills moral values in his kids. Obligation-based theories can’t be used to explain the reason why a parent has an obligation to morally educate his children. She also opposes great emphasis on contractualism. She also says that a society that does not know anything about love and partnership is bleak and impoverished. This gives rise to the need to bridge the gap between obligation-based and care-based theories. She proposes the concept of appropriate trust (Baier, 1995) as a marriage of love and obligation.
We can’t discard the obligation-based theories completely. Rather, we shall create an ethical standard based on love, trust, and relationship. The care-aspect is a very important and meaningful in cases of parents, doctor, nurse, friends and other relationships where deepening of special relationships is like to be more moral than impartial treatment. Rough generalizations can be made in this case, but they are not enough to give guidance for the next cases.
Baier’s theory seems to provide a very good explanation of the correct moral behavior for humans. In every act of his, a person should not only just perform his obligation, but also care about other people who might be affected by the action.