Abstract

In this dissertation I lay the foundation for an ethic of power. An ethic of power is grounded in a critique of feminine trait-based care ethics and expands upon Nietzsche's power theory. The field of care ethics is no longer new, and critics have hovered near since its earliest articulation. Kantians fear the loss of impartiality in granting ethical significance to emotional attachments and context-bound details. Feminist theorists fear an essentialist root, questioning whether an ethic that values traditionally subordinate traits is helpful to the female agents who are supposedly its origin. Thus, while some philosophers have incorporated care ethics into recent discourse, feminist philosophers have expressed considerable caution. Whereas I appreciate the broader possibilities for ethical discourse ushered in by care ethics, I am also a critic. ;I develop an interpretation of Nietzsche's concept of over-coming to articulate a process of taking on risks, challenges, and responsibilities--on one's own behalf--to increase one's power and promote growth. In relation to caring practice, women often undertake responsibilities and challenges on the behalf of others. I argue that women must disobey the demands of care and work against the effects of 'ressentiment' in their lives. ;I begin by critically examining recent influential formulations of care ethics. I explore, as well, the effects of sexual dualism upon these formulations. Examples of how caring traits result in women's vulnerability to subordination and abuse--and, in turn, examples of women's resistance to subordinate roles--highlight my argument that increasing one's power requires disobedience to care-based traits. Moreover, a concern for power can produce creatively generated practice, such as self-articulation, increased agency, and an awareness of social others with whom one may share and generate power. Whereas other philosophers and theorists have written on patriarchal power and the damaging aspects of caring practice, I invoke Nietzsche's power theory and a critical analysis of care to guide my discussion and ground an ethic of power