NKUZI: AN APPRAISAL OF NEL NODDINGS ETHICS OF CARE

Abstract

This paper makes an appraisal of the concept of teaching in Nel Noddings ethics of care. Nel Noddings is one of the prominent feminist philosophers who proposed ethics of care as an alternative to establishing peaceful co-existence. She emphasizes education in care giving as the root to solving the moral deficit in the society. Nkuzi is an Igbo word, which means “to teach”. Analytically, Nkuzi means to knock, hit, strike aright or to repair, to shape to required proportion. Therefore, to teach is to knock, straighten or shape the pupil, student or subject aright. This paper however argues that there should be a different way of teaching, that is centered on correction and care. It concludes that there would be harmony and peace, if the society adopts a care-centered form of teaching.