What is the value of literature — story-telling — for deepening our
understanding of, and appreciation for, people of different backgrounds?
Specifically, how can literature of the type you’ve selected “educate the
moral imagination” (to use Northrop Frye’s language) and thereby
encourage us to make empathy-based, moral decisions as formulated in
Care Ethics?
Answer:
Literature and storytelling allow us to step into the shoes of characters from diverse backgrounds, thereby fostering empathy and understanding. By presenting moral dilemmas, they challenge our thinking and encourage us to make ethical decisions. This “education of the moral imagination” can help us apply Care Ethics in real-life situations, where we prioritize empathy and interpersonal relationships in decision-making.