Capabilities and social justice the political philosophy of Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbuam PDF
Preview Capabilities and social justice the political philosophy of Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbuam
CAPABILITIES AND SOCIAL JUSTICE This is probably the best introduction to the capability approach in social sciences ever written. Emphasis is laid on the philosophical background of the capability approach. The author compares the theories of Sen and Nussbaum to welfarism, Rawlsian and rights-based approaches. The merits and weaknesses of consequentialist and deontological versions are clearly explained. Capability theorists will be particularly interested in John Alexander’s argument that the capability approach is closer to republicanism than to mainstream liberalism. Throughout the text, the practical relevance of philosophical debates for development issues is made clear. Arguments are carefully devised in a highly readable text. Antoon Vandevelde, University of Leuven, Belgium and editor of Gifts and Interests, Peeters, 2000 John Alexander’s work is a very good study of one of the leading approaches to social justice in contemporary political theory. It shows a very strong grasp of the authors discussed and is completely up-to-date on the relevant literature. It is very well written – very clear throughout, well-structured, and easy to follow. The lines of argument in the work are always on the mark and are challenging and original. As a whole, the book makes an important contribution to the literature on social justice and is particularly strong on bringing together traditions that are often seen as rivals. John Baker, University College Dublin, Ireland and author of Arguing for Equality, Verso, 1987 and co-author of Equality: From Theory to Action, Palgrave, 2004 This is a very helpful discussion of the main issues connected with the capability approach to social justice associated with Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum. John Alexander is very well versed in recent discussions of social justice and in addition to giving a lucid account of the capability approach brings it into fruitful dialogue with the main strands of that recent discussion. He writes with intelligence and lucidity, and brings his work together in a well-argued text that engages and enlightens the reader. William Desmond, University of Leuven, Belgium and author of many books including Hegel’s God (Ashgate), Ethics and the Between (SUNY) and God and the Between (Blackwell) Capabilities and Social Justice The Political Philosophy of Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum JOHN M. ALEXANDER University of Leuven, Belgium First published 2008 by Ashgate Publishing Published 2016 by Routledge 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN 711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017, USA Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business Copyright© John M. Alexander 2008 John M. Alexander has asserted his moral right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as the author of this work. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. Notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data Alexander, John M. Capabilities and social justice: the political philosophy of Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum 1.Sen, Amartya Kumar – Political and social views 2. Nussbaum, Martha Craven, 1947 –Political and social views 3. Social justice 4. Political science – Philosophy I. Title 320.5’13’0922 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Alexander, John M. Capabilities and social justice: the political philosophy of Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum / John M. Alexander. p.cm. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 978-0-7546-6187-0 (hardback: alk. paper) 1. Distributive justice. 2. Social justice. 3.Social choice. 4. Merit (Ethics) 5. Resource allocation–Political aspects. 6. Sen, Amartya Kumar. 7. Nussbaum, Martha Craven, 1947- I. Title. HB523.A43 2007 320.01–dc22 2007013124 ISBN 13: 978-0-7546-6187-0 (hbk) To Nancy, Vincy, and my beloved parents, Michael and Anthoniammal ~ Taylor & Francis ~ Taylor & Francis Group http://taylora ndfra nci s.com Contents Acknowledgements ix Introduction 1 Part I The Capability Approach in Perspective 1 Sen’s Critique of Utilitarianism 9 2 Rethinking Rawlsian Justice 31 3 Towards a Capability Theory of Justice 53 Part II Capabilities, Morality and Politics 4 The Theory of Broad Consequentialism 81 5 The Question of Individual Responsibility 105 6 Aristotle and Nussbaum’s Hybrid Theory of Capabilities 125 7 Which Freedom? What Sort of Public Reasoning? 147 Bibliography 171 Index 181 S Taylor & Francis ~ Taylor & Francis Group http://taylora ndfra nci S.com Acknowledgements As I complete this work and look back in retrospect, what even to my own amazement stands out is the magnitude of indebtedness that I have accumulated over the years; I begin to wonder whether I would ever be able to repay for all the inspiration, encouragement and support I have received from so many people. In the first place I deeply appreciate the kindness of Antoon Vandevelde who offered me the opportunity to work on this research project and has been very supportive throughout. His critical remarks and suggestions on different versions of the text have played a great role in improving the line of reasoning and arguments. I admire his keen intellect, philosophical wisdom and kind-heartedness. John Baker, Erik Schokkaert, Luc Van Liedekerke, Philippe Van Parijs, André Van de Putte, Herman De Dijn, Yvonne Denier, Jane Buckingham, Joe Arun, S.G. Selvam, Ronald Tinnevelt, Roger Burggraeve, Koen Decancq, Kurt Devooght, Bart Engelen, Stijn Neuteleers, Thomas Nys, Sylvie Loriaux, Jos Philips and Stefan Rummens have all been kind enough to read different parts of the book at various stages and give their valuable comments. The Research Council of the University of Leuven, Belgium has generously supported this research project including my research visits to the University of Cambridge, UK, Harvard University, US and WIDER, United Nations University, Finland. I owe a special thanks to P. Christie SJ, Director of Loyola Institute of Business Administration for his unwavering support and encouragement, and to Camillus Fernando, Stanislaus Swamikannu, Bellarmine Fernando and other salesians of Don Bosco, Tamil Nadu, India and their counterparts in Flanders, Belgium particularly Piet Palmans and Jos Claes for giving me the opportunity, hospitality and the most conducive atmosphere to embark on this research venture. Starting from December 2001, I have had the occasion to present different parts of this work at the conferences organized by the Human Development and Capability Association (HDCA) and the UK Association for Social and Legal Philosophy. I have greatly benefited from the reactions and cordiality of the participants and organizers of these events particularly Ingrid Robeyns, Enrica Chiappero, Flavio Comim, Des Gasper, Gideon Calder and Ananda Duraiappah. For some years now, I have been trying to express my views and concerns on different issues of social justice. I wish to express my gratitude to Mr N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief of India’s national newspaper The Hindu and fortnightly Frontline and his editorial staff particularly R. Vijaya Sankar for providing me with a forum to write for a wider readership. I appreciate very much the help of Claire Dawson for meticulously reading and correcting the manuscript, and Maria Alphonse, Gerard Saverimuttu and Cyriac Thayil for assisting me with technical details. I cherish with fondness the support and affection that I have received during these years from the families and friends of Rita Dedobbeleer, Rudi Huwaert, Bart Baele, Caroline and Ludo Meyvis, Kathy and Eric Goethals, Jochim Lourduswamy and Renilde Van de Velde.
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