In this book we weave together three themes dealing with problems of morality and social order. First, we consider contrasting ways of understanding what it means to act morally. One approach relies on rights, duties, individual autonomy, and generally applicable rules; the other, on care, responsiveness, avoidance of harm, and interdependent relationships. One has dominated political and social moral discourse in our society. The other has been limited to the private sphere but is now an emerging force in public life as part of a dialogue of moral perspectives. Traditionally, men in our culture have followed one path and women the other.

A second theme involves the potential tension between personal morality and institutionalized professional morality. Personal morality develops over time in each of us as a product of complex personal and social forces. Professional morality — the established ethical obligations that come with a profession — we meet fully fashioned and ready to be slipped into like a new suit of clothes. Codes governing professional behavior may fit well with an individual's personal morality, or they may not, depending on whether personal ethics coincide with the values and goals that shape the institutional role. A conflict of personal and professional morality creates dilemmas for individuals and pressures on institutions.