Martha Nussbaum

Definition

Martha Nussbaum is a prominent American philosopher and ethicist known for her work in moral philosophy, political philosophy, and the capabilities approach. She emphasizes the importance of human dignity and the development of capabilities that allow individuals to flourish. Her ideas connect to the experiences of refugees, highlighting how their capabilities are often undermined by displacement and the challenges they face in rebuilding their lives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nussbaum argues that refugees experience significant deprivation of capabilities, which impacts their ability to lead fulfilling lives after displacement.
2. She emphasizes the role of education and community support in helping refugees regain their capabilities and achieve a sense of belonging.
3. Nussbaum's work suggests that policies addressing refugee experiences should prioritize enhancing individual capabilities rather than solely focusing on economic aid.
4. Her approach challenges traditional views of human rights by integrating emotional and psychological well-being as essential aspects of human development.
5. Nussbaum advocates for a global perspective on justice, arguing that nations have ethical obligations to assist refugees as part of a broader commitment to human dignity.

Review Questions

• How does Martha Nussbaum's capabilities approach relate to the experiences of refugees?
  • Martha Nussbaum's capabilities approach emphasizes the importance of individual abilities to achieve well-being and live a flourishing life. For refugees, this means recognizing that their displacement severely limits their capabilities, such as access to education, healthcare, and community engagement. By focusing on restoring these capabilities through supportive policies and community initiatives, Nussbaum's framework provides a more holistic understanding of what refugees need to rebuild their lives.
• In what ways does Nussbaum argue that human dignity should inform policies for refugees?
  • Nussbaum argues that human dignity is foundational to ethical decision-making, especially regarding vulnerable populations like refugees. She believes policies should not only address immediate survival needs but also promote long-term empowerment by enhancing refugees' capabilities. This includes ensuring access to education, legal support, and mental health resources, which help restore their dignity and foster integration into new communities.
• Evaluate how Nussbaum's views on social justice might influence the international response to refugee crises.
  • Nussbaum's views on social justice emphasize the need for equitable treatment and support for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. In the context of refugee crises, her perspective calls for an international response that goes beyond humanitarian aid to include systemic changes that address root causes of displacement. By advocating for policies that enhance capabilities and ensure fair access to resources and opportunities for refugees, Nussbaum encourages a more compassionate and just global approach that recognizes their inherent value as individuals.

Related terms

Capabilities Approach: A theoretical framework developed by Nussbaum and Amartya Sen that focuses on what individuals are able to do and be, emphasizing the importance of personal development and well-being.

Human Dignity: The intrinsic worth of every individual, which Nussbaum argues should be a guiding principle in ethics, law, and public policy, particularly regarding marginalized populations like refugees.

Social Justice: The view that society should provide fair treatment and an equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, which is central to Nussbaum's arguments for supporting vulnerable groups such as refugees.