En los Estados constitucionales modernos, se encuentra un conspicuo set de derechos, principios y valores éticos. En el presente trabajo se insiste en la necesidad de tener muy presente las investigaciones relativas a la racionalidad, el conflicto y los valores. Precisamente, porque los derechos se ..

El presente ensayo pretende analizar algunas categorías políticas desarrolladas por Norberto Bobbio, tales como: democracia, derechos humanos, libertad y paz. Para este autor la democracia como sistema de reglas dirigidas a eliminar el uso de la violencia concilia la relación entre poder y derecho. La democracia no se funda sobre la primacía del poder sobre el derecho, ni viceversa, además, permite la proximidad más cercana de las necesidades morales a aquellas políticas. La democracia es la luz mientras que la autocracia (...) es la oscuridad: esta, la democracia, juega su rol en el inseparable trinomio libertad-paz-derechos humanos. La constante tensión, a través del conflicto, hacia la racionalidad y la libertad parece moverse en la dirección de una sociedad universalmente entendida que coordine las necesidades y garantice la paz entre todos los Estados. (shrink)

The purpose of this paper is not to provide an overall picture of care ethics, but, rather, to reflect upon the concept of care, which has gained significance in particular scientific contexts. Undoubtedly, the importance of the subject of care represents a challenge on the level of fundamental philosophical positions and a diversified look into the occurring forms of the psychological and social suffering, dependency, and vulnerability. I will shed light on tenets that are considered central to the care ethics (...) and that have led to the setting up of the relationship between care and democracy. By introducing the basic aspects of Carol Gilligan’s and Joan Tronto’s theories, I will emphasize their vocation to be politically relevant. A discussion on the relationship between care and justice on the one hand, and needs and rights on the other, will follow. Can hearing voices of care make democracy more just? How can care ethics provide a concrete support for democracy? On the political level, care ethics builds on the assumptions of the necessary relatedness and equality between individuals who are decisive in the light of the welfare state perspective. Upon closer examination, one may see that the setting up of these relationships is not new to the liberal perspective. Liberalism is historically rooted in the fundamental interconnection between freedom and equality. Virtues such as care and meekness can be formulated in the language of politics, but they still remain unpolitical. On the one hand, engaging in a critical reflection upon such virtues might be an indispensable measuring instrument for distinguishing a good democracy from a bad one. On the other hand, care ethics does not prove to be a real alternative to the ethics of justice. In this regard, care ethics seems to show its feet of clay. (shrink)