Final answer:
In care ethics, caring relationships are central because they prioritize compassion and interdependence, with an emphasis on the unique contexts of interpersonal relations and situational factors. Feminist philosophers have supported this move to include traditionally undervalued feminine values in ethical considerations, shaping care ethics as a feminist and human-centered ethical approach. So, the correct answer is option c
Step-by-step explanation:
In care ethics, the caring relationship is treated as the ethical paradigm because it emphasizes the importance of compassion and interdependence. This approach differs markedly from traditional ethical frameworks, which might focus on applying universal principles regardless of individual circumstances. Care ethics advocates for moral deliberation that takes into account relational and concrete factors unique to each situation, sensitizing us to the needs of individuals, especially those who are marginalized or in positions of vulnerability.
Nel Noddings, a prominent advocate for care ethics, contends that caring should be central to ethical decision-making. By emphasizing the significance of actual interpersonal relationships and context, care ethics seek to promote values that recognize the duties and responsibilities inherent in human connections. The approach rejects the traditional emphasis on hierarchical structures or abstract, emotionless rules that often fail to capture the nuanced realities of moral life.
Moreover, feminist philosophers have critiqued traditional ethics for overlooking values typically associated with women, such as empathy and nurturing. They argue for the inclusion of these values in ethical considerations, without confining them to gender stereotypes, thus making care ethics an expression of feminist thought as well as a broader human ethical concern.
So, the correct answer is option c.