Embodying the Law: Classical Liberalism and the Ethic of Care in Feminist Political and Legal Theory
Date of Thesis
Spring 2020
Description
This thesis examines both classical liberalism and the ethic of care as two apparently contradictory yet ultimately compatible political theories. Liberalism on its own is both normatively and practically unsatisfactory for its emphasis on individuals as entirely independent and self-interested. The ethic of care presents an alternative conception of the individual as a part of complex networks of relations in which we are all both dependent on and responsible for others. Through this framework of care, liberal values such as equality and autonomy can be presented as goals to be worked towards rather than assumed truths. Care as a political practice unites us as individuals by presenting our interests as mutual rather than competing.
To demonstrate the political value of care, I focus on the specific right of autonomy and argue for a more holistic conception of autonomy that includes the body as the medium through which we exercise our freedom. I analyze the body as a product of social construction and make an argument for care as an ethic through which bodies that have been harmed by social construction can seek the justice and respect that they deserve.
Keywords
liberalism, ethic of care, feminist jurisprudence, social construction, autonomy, bodily autonomy
Access Type
Honors Thesis (Bucknell Access Only)
Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts
Major
Political Science
Second Major
English
First Advisor
Amy McCready
Second Advisor
Christina Xydias
Recommended Citation
Chrisbacher, Leah, "Embodying the Law: Classical Liberalism and the Ethic of Care in Feminist Political and Legal Theory" (2020). Honors Theses. 522.
https://digitalcommons.bucknell.edu/honors_theses/522