Martha Nussbaum

Definition

Martha Nussbaum is a prominent American philosopher and ethicist known for her work on the capabilities approach, which emphasizes the importance of individual well-being and human flourishing in ethical decision-making. Her ideas challenge traditional ethical frameworks by focusing on what individuals can do and be, rather than merely on rules or consequences, making her work particularly relevant in discussions about sexual ethics and decision-making.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nussbaum's capabilities approach argues that ethical frameworks should prioritize individual capabilities and the ability to achieve a fulfilling life.
2. She criticizes traditional ethical theories for often neglecting personal experiences and the importance of context in moral decision-making.
3. Nussbaum identifies ten central capabilities essential for human flourishing, including bodily health, emotional well-being, and practical reason.
4. Her work has significant implications for sexual ethics by advocating for informed consent, mutual respect, and recognizing diverse sexual experiences.
5. Nussbaum's philosophy encourages individuals to consider their own desires and the impact of their decisions on others when making ethical choices about sexuality.

Review Questions

• How does Martha Nussbaum's capabilities approach reshape our understanding of sexual decision-making?
  • Martha Nussbaum's capabilities approach reshapes our understanding of sexual decision-making by emphasizing individual well-being and personal agency. Instead of adhering strictly to rules or outcomes, this framework encourages individuals to consider their abilities and desires while also taking into account the effects of their decisions on themselves and their partners. This perspective fosters a more nuanced understanding of consent, respect, and the significance of personal experiences in ethical discussions about sexuality.
• In what ways does Nussbaum critique traditional ethical frameworks in relation to issues of sexuality?
  • Nussbaum critiques traditional ethical frameworks by arguing that they often overlook personal experiences and fail to account for the complexities of human relationships. Many conventional approaches focus solely on rules or consequences, neglecting the importance of individual capabilities in achieving well-being. By highlighting how these frameworks can lead to simplistic views on sexual morality, Nussbaum advocates for a more inclusive understanding that prioritizes individual agency and the context of relationships in ethical considerations.
• Evaluate how Nussbaum's emphasis on capabilities can inform contemporary debates surrounding sexual ethics.
  • Nussbaum's emphasis on capabilities can significantly inform contemporary debates surrounding sexual ethics by providing a framework that values personal agency and mutual respect in sexual relationships. By focusing on what individuals are capable of achieving, her approach encourages a more holistic view of consent that goes beyond mere legal definitions. This perspective prompts deeper discussions about emotional well-being, power dynamics, and the social contexts influencing sexual behavior, ultimately fostering more respectful and informed interactions in diverse sexual landscapes.

Related terms

Capabilities Approach: A theoretical framework developed by Nussbaum and Amartya Sen that focuses on what individuals are capable of achieving, emphasizing personal development and well-being over economic or resource-based measures.

Ethical Theory: A systematic approach to understanding what is right and wrong, often divided into consequentialist, deontological, and virtue ethics perspectives.

Sexual Ethics: A branch of ethics that examines the moral dimensions of sexual behavior, relationships, and the implications of sexual decision-making.