CARE THEORY AND THE IDEAL OF NEUTRALITY IN PUBLIC MORAL DISCOURSE

In this paper I argue that Care theory has the resources to offer an i nsightful and original theoretical perspective on issues in medical et hics. The paper begins with a discussion of the sort of theory Care is , and argues that it closely resembles virtue theory. After a discussi on of common features of Care theories, I respond to a few of the crit icisms that have been levied against the theory. The final section of the paper is a discussion of the question of neutrality in public mora l discourse. Care theory is not a neutral theory with regard to questi ons of the nature of the good life for humans, but I argue that this s hould not preclude Care from playing a part in the public debate over policy decisions.