ABSTRACT
Feminists are divided on the value of autonomy. Some regard autonomy as an individualistic and masculinist value, one which is both illusory and damaging to women. Others appeal to the notion of autonomy in defending women's right to define themselves according to their own interests and needs. This chapter examines the relationship between care and autonomy from the perspective of the ethic of care and its relational ontology. Following some of Carol Gilligan's work, the chapter suggests that the ethic of care might instead promote the carer's autonomy by prioritizing creating and maintaining healthy relationships. Most literally, autonomy means self-determination. An autonomous person is one who is in control of his or her life rather than being controlled by outside forces. Gilligan emphasizes that the ethic of care is grounded in a relational ontology. She claims that the care orientation's focus on sustaining one's relationships grows out of its recognition of human social situatedness.
