This volume provides a critical introduction to contemporary attempts to base nursing ethics on a feminine "ethics of care". At the heart of this book is a philosophical and practical examination of what has come to be known as the "justice versus care" debate. The 'care' approach, Kuhse argues, is dangerous and may perpetuate the moral disenfranchizement of women and nurses. In advancing a conception of "just caring", the author suggests a decision-making framework in which nurses play a central role. In such a framework the terminally ill would not only be able to refuse treatment, but would also be able to receive direct help in dying.
It provides essential reading to students of ethics, nursing and feminist philosophy.