Caritas--caring as an ethical conduct

Area of Science:

• Caring Science
• Theology
• Philosophy

Background:

• Caritas is a central motive in Eriksson's Caritative Theory.
• Understanding the essence of caritas is crucial for advancing caring science.
• Existing theories may benefit from a deeper exploration of caritas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and analyze the primary source and essence of caritas.
• To assimilate new meaning into the practice of caring science.
• To establish a foundation for future theories within caring science.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical study employing hermeneutic phenomenology.
• Critical analysis of Eriksson's writings and historical/philosophical sources from Judaism (Bible, Talmud).
• Utilizing Nygren's hermeneutics phenomenology as the methodological basis.

Main Results:

• Introduced a new meaning and 'space' for caritas.
• Identified attitudes (curiosity, questioning) linking faith and scientific investigation.
• Established caritas as an attitude profoundly linked to love, making care a more ethical act.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a deeper, meaningful understanding of caritas.
• New insights into caritas create a more ethical dimension in caring science.
• Further study is necessitated by the ethical questions arising from these new understandings.