The measure of human capacities (Martha Nussbaum, Creating Capabilities)

Question 1

What is concern for pluralism?

Answer 1

Pluralism is a concern for any meaningful theorizing in matters of social and political import. It question of what sort of restrictions governments can put on people’s freedom to act according to their values.

How to help without imposing your beliefs.

Question 2

Why is the capabilities approach an answer to charges of Western centrism?

Answer 2

The capabilities approach= insists that the political goal for all human beings in a nation ought to be the same: all should get above a certain threshold level of combined capabilities. (Satisfy human needs).

Western centrism= a worldview that is centred on Western civilization or a biased view that favours it over non-Western civilizations.

Nussbaum’s answer= Like Kant, we need to treat each individual as an end. Focus on individuals and their capabilities a part from the society/culture they are in.

Question 3

What are the basic human capabilities?

Answer 3

1. Life
2. Bodily health
3. Bodily integrity
4. Sense, imagination, thought
5. Emotions
6. Practical reason
7. Affiliation
8. Other species
9. Play
10. Control over one’s environment