There is a range of issues from failing to handle work tasks to dealing with the unresponsive behavior of superiors. Care ethics is such a forgotten topic that we feel the need to revive it for the well-being of everyone. Care ethics is the choice-based ethics where one is motivated to imply responsibility towards self and others. It is showering care, love, and respect for the well-being of others. It focuses on the relationships between caregivers and care receivers. It is based on the normative ethical framework. This is a structured approach to ethical living. It includes third-party suggestions for refined behavioral actions. The aim is to maximize overall happiness and promote individual wholeness. This approach originates from Carol Gilligan’s work in the 1980’s who is an American feminist, ethicist, and psychologist.
Carol stressed the idea of providing care that becomes an important part of moral development. It critiques Lawrence Kohlberg’s model of moral development for its gender bias. Gilligan set a different example which showcases the methods for moral and personal development. Gilligan argues that girls use a “different voice” that prioritizes care and relationships over strict principles. In this way, females achieve moral development by the methods of application of responsibility. Care ethics is often associated with women. However, it is intended for everyone. It brings the importance of valuing particular individuals and bringing healthy, reciprocal relationships. It highlights emotions like sympathy, empathy, and compassion, which enhance attentiveness to others’ needs and encourage understanding through shared perspectives.
Acting in accordance with care ethics is useful. It suggests that individuals should strive to apply the principles of care ethics consistently, whenever the occasion arises. This approach advocates for building relationships and prioritizing the well-being of others in every relevant context. An examination of the Mahabharata reveals the importance of seizing opportunities to act in accordance with care ethics. It suggests that individuals should strive to apply the principles of care ethics consistently, whenever the occasion arises.
How is care ethics implied in Mahabharata?
In the Mahabharata, numerous stories and frame tales illustrate the implications of care ethics. This ethical perspective is prominently reflected in the lives of the Pandavas. They consistently demonstrated care, unity, and brotherhood toward one another. Carol Gilligan has provided an example that highlights women who demonstrate care ethics. These aspects indicate moral and personal development. But here you could see the example of male members too. They show the values of care ethics for the well being of everyone.
Care Ethics in the lives of the Pandavas- A notable episode is the Yaksha Prashna.
In this story, Yudhishthira is the last to reach a water source. It had been found by Nakula. However, Nakula died soon because he failed to answer Yaksha (the death God) correctly. Like Nakula, Yudhisthira finds that all his brothers are dead. Instead of quenching his thirst, he answers the Yaksha’s questions. Delighted with Yudhishthira’s responses, the Yaksha grants him the boon to revive one of his brothers.
Interestingly, Yudhishthira selects Nakula, his cousin, instead of his own brothers, Arjuna or Bhima. Yudhishthira was asked why he chose Nakula over his own siblings Arjuna and Bhima. He explains that one son from each mother must survive. He points out fairness among his family members. This choice exemplifies the essence of care ethics. It brings the importance of providing care to others, regardless of their closeness to us.
Care Ethics in the life of Vidura- an unlimited care for the right
Care ethics applies to the life of Vidura, the uncle of the Pandavas and Kauravas. This is evident in his consistently providing utmost care and attention to his family members and their needs. He ensured that no one strayed onto the wrong path and always advocated for a life of righteousness. Vidura guided his cousin Dhritarashtra, encouraging him to adhere to ethical principles and policies that govern moral conduct.
Care ethics, therefore, involves helping someone follow the right path and avoiding paths that may lead them astray. Vidura also assisted the Pandavas and warned them about Duryodhana’s conspiracy. The conspiracy involved Duryodhana creating a wax palace as Pandavas new residence. Duryodhana’s servant later burned this palace while the Pandavas resided there after their long journey. Ultimately, care ethics emphasizes avoiding discrimination within close relationships and consistently standing on the side of righteousness.
Care Ethics in the life of Draupadi- the wife of Pandavas
Draupadi did not wish any harm upon the Pandavas. This was despite being the daughter of Drupada, who harbored malicious intentions toward them. She always paid equal attention to her five husbands and took full responsibility for her family members. Additionally, she was kind to the residents of Hastinapur, caring for both the servants and her subordinates.
Draupadi demonstrated exceptional managerial skills, handling her responsibilities with courage. Among these was preparing food for all participants in the Mahabharata war. Her actions illustrate that care ethics are universal, free from discrimination based on individual feelings or biases.
Draupadi accompanied the Pandavas on significant missions, including the Swarga Prasthanika, their grand journey to heaven. This demonstrates her loyalty and enthusiasm to assist others, showing equal love, care, and attention to everyone.
Care ethics in the behaviour of kunti- the mother of Pandavas
It was a time when Kunti and her sons, the great Pandavas, escaped death. They fled from the conspiracy of Duryodhana in the burning wax palace. Kunti was looking for work in a nearby village where they had fled. As she walked through the village, she noticed that a marriage celebration was taking place in one of the homes. Although everyone seemed to be happy for the occasion, they appeared bothered and tense.
Concerned for their troubles, Kunti tried to find out what was wrong. Just as she was about to enter the house, she overheard a conversation between a Brahmin and his family members. They were weeping. They discussed who would go to the demon Bakasura. It was their family’s turn to appease him. The Brahmin expressed that he could have gone, but he was needed to conduct the marriage.
The Brahmin’s wife then mentioned that she was afraid to send their son, who was to be married that day. The Brahmin’s daughter suggested that they send her. She was young. It was her duty to save her family from harm.
After listening to their conversation, Kunti couldn’t resist joining in to learn more about the situation. The family explained that there was a monster in the hills. The villagers had established a pact. They had to send one member of the village to the demon each day. This was to satisfy its hunger and prevent random attacks on the villagers.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Kunti promised the Brahmins. They wouldn’t need to send anyone. She would offer one of her five sons in their place. This act demonstrated Kunti’s caring nature. She consistently placed the needs of others above her own. Her endless love and empathy were evident.
What can we learn about implied care ethics from the Mahabharata?
Care ethics embodies the essence of responsibility, vigilance, and the profound act of showcasing care. It encourages us to be judicious, steer clear of malpractices, and practice righteousness. By fostering a willingness to help others and by remaining loyal while respecting personal space, we create a nurturing environment. Implied means flowing naturally, and this naturality unfolds as we become experts in practicing the overall dimensions of care ethics.
We could learn the following points on the part of care ethics from ancient text-
- Endless love and care for all beings. Considering all beings as the part of one ultimate being-that one Upanishadic Brahman.
- Understanding the problems of others and doing one’s best to help others of their misfortunes.
- Taking actions to improve the lives of others by one act of kindness, love and care.
- Doing justice to others life by altering the behaviour of self.
- Showing empathy to the large scale by acknowledging others problems and being sensitive to it.
Care ethics teaches us to strive for our best by embracing responsibilities not only for ourselves but also for others. This ethical framework encourages a genuine outreach of our innate instincts towards caring for those around us. Ultimately, care ethics fosters a sense of interconnectedness and moral responsibility that guides us towards righteous actions.
How care ethics gives us a path of righteousness?
An examination of the Mahabharata highlights the significance of seizing opportunities to act in accordance with care ethics. It suggests that individuals should strive to consistently apply the principles of care ethics whenever the occasion arises. This approach focuses on fostering relationships and prioritizing the well-being of others in every relevant context.
Care ethics in the Mahabharata highlights the importance of making the right choices at the right time. It implies the need to bring love, care, and sensitivity to aid others. The Mahabharata serves as a valuable resource that teaches us what to do and what not to do. Care ethics provides guidelines on how to improve the lives of others.
The stories and their reflections can help us adopt these principles in our own lives. Analyzing the characters and their actions encourages us to see our responsibilities toward others as our own. This ultimately brings a more compassion-driven approach, and makes learning contribute to our wholeness.
Reference
https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/care-ethics/care-ethics.html
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