Jonathan Wolff and Avner De-Shalit
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199278268
- eISBN:
- 9780191707902
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199278268.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter deepens the discussion of the nature of disadvantage by asking: what categories of functionings exhaust those necessary to construct a full philosophical theory of disadvantage? ...
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This chapter deepens the discussion of the nature of disadvantage by asking: what categories of functionings exhaust those necessary to construct a full philosophical theory of disadvantage? Beginning with a list offered by Martha Nussbaum, and Sen's capability approach, the concepts of capability and functionings are further analysed, using the method of ‘dynamic public reflective equilibrium’. This involves a dialogue between the philosopher and the public, in this case a series of interviews with disadvantaged people and with professionals who take care of disadvantaged people in a variety of fields. The result is that while basically Nussbaum's list is shown to be intuitive, four additional categories are suggested. Thus, a new list of functionings is devised as part of the task of setting out a particular pluralist account of disadvantage.Less
This chapter deepens the discussion of the nature of disadvantage by asking: what categories of functionings exhaust those necessary to construct a full philosophical theory of disadvantage? Beginning with a list offered by Martha Nussbaum, and Sen's capability approach, the concepts of capability and functionings are further analysed, using the method of ‘dynamic public reflective equilibrium’. This involves a dialogue between the philosopher and the public, in this case a series of interviews with disadvantaged people and with professionals who take care of disadvantaged people in a variety of fields. The result is that while basically Nussbaum's list is shown to be intuitive, four additional categories are suggested. Thus, a new list of functionings is devised as part of the task of setting out a particular pluralist account of disadvantage.
Lawrence C. Becker
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199917549
- eISBN:
- 9780199950454
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199917549.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
Section 1 of this chapter outlines the concept of basic justice and argues that it is worthwhile to confine attention to it for the remainder of the book. Section 2 introduces in some detail the ...
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Section 1 of this chapter outlines the concept of basic justice and argues that it is worthwhile to confine attention to it for the remainder of the book. Section 2 introduces in some detail the concept of habilitation and argues that it is a particularly illuminating tool for examining basic justice. Section 3 examines two types of normative theory that appear to have especially close conceptual connections to habilitation (capability theories; dependency and care theories). The habilitation framework proposed here is then distinguished from them. Section 4 suggests that habilitation into a robust form of health is a project central to the human condition itself rather than to a particular normative theory, and that the habilitation framework could in principle provide a theory-independent framework for normative theories of basic justice generally.Less
Section 1 of this chapter outlines the concept of basic justice and argues that it is worthwhile to confine attention to it for the remainder of the book. Section 2 introduces in some detail the concept of habilitation and argues that it is a particularly illuminating tool for examining basic justice. Section 3 examines two types of normative theory that appear to have especially close conceptual connections to habilitation (capability theories; dependency and care theories). The habilitation framework proposed here is then distinguished from them. Section 4 suggests that habilitation into a robust form of health is a project central to the human condition itself rather than to a particular normative theory, and that the habilitation framework could in principle provide a theory-independent framework for normative theories of basic justice generally.
Takahiro Fujimoto
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198296041
- eISBN:
- 9780191596070
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198296045.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Microeconomics
An analysis is made of a firm's evolutionary capabilities using the car industry in general, and Toyota in particular, as an example. The resource view of the firm is extended to look in detail at ...
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An analysis is made of a firm's evolutionary capabilities using the car industry in general, and Toyota in particular, as an example. The resource view of the firm is extended to look in detail at how capabilities change over time, and attempt to explain inter‐regional and inter‐firm differences. However, instead of applying the concepts of resource‐based theories or capability theories on the firm as a unit, the analysis is applied at the operational level. In the process, the author makes an argument for not only interpreting capabilities as something directly affecting the level of competitive performance and the improvements of performance but also as the accumulation of these static and improvement capabilities; in other words, successful firms are not only competitive and know how to improve to stay competitive, they also know how to sustain these skills over time. The chapter goes on to explore, in some depth, this novel interpretation of evolutionary capability as a firm‐specific ability to acquire both static and improvement capabilities, and includes a table summarizing the evolution of selected production–development capabilities at Toyota, to accompany the discussion in the text.Less
An analysis is made of a firm's evolutionary capabilities using the car industry in general, and Toyota in particular, as an example. The resource view of the firm is extended to look in detail at how capabilities change over time, and attempt to explain inter‐regional and inter‐firm differences. However, instead of applying the concepts of resource‐based theories or capability theories on the firm as a unit, the analysis is applied at the operational level. In the process, the author makes an argument for not only interpreting capabilities as something directly affecting the level of competitive performance and the improvements of performance but also as the accumulation of these static and improvement capabilities; in other words, successful firms are not only competitive and know how to improve to stay competitive, they also know how to sustain these skills over time. The chapter goes on to explore, in some depth, this novel interpretation of evolutionary capability as a firm‐specific ability to acquire both static and improvement capabilities, and includes a table summarizing the evolution of selected production–development capabilities at Toyota, to accompany the discussion in the text.
Garrett Wallace Brown
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748638819
- eISBN:
- 9780748652822
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748638819.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter attempts to derive some key normative principles inherent in a Kantian scheme of distributive justice. To do so, this chapter looks at Kant's conception of external freedom and social ...
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This chapter attempts to derive some key normative principles inherent in a Kantian scheme of distributive justice. To do so, this chapter looks at Kant's conception of external freedom and social welfare, relating them to a cosmopolitan concern for global justice. It argues that Kant's freedom of autonomy (co-legislation) demands a robust theory of distributive justice in order to provide a political environment that supports the effective autonomy of individuals in a hypothetical kingdom of ends. The chapter further explores a possible relationship with Martha Nussbaum's capability theory, suggesting that Kant's distributive principles might be best expressed through a form of the capability approach. Lastly, the chapter draws connections between contemporary cosmopolitan arguments for global justice and Kant's overall cosmopolitan concerns.Less
This chapter attempts to derive some key normative principles inherent in a Kantian scheme of distributive justice. To do so, this chapter looks at Kant's conception of external freedom and social welfare, relating them to a cosmopolitan concern for global justice. It argues that Kant's freedom of autonomy (co-legislation) demands a robust theory of distributive justice in order to provide a political environment that supports the effective autonomy of individuals in a hypothetical kingdom of ends. The chapter further explores a possible relationship with Martha Nussbaum's capability theory, suggesting that Kant's distributive principles might be best expressed through a form of the capability approach. Lastly, the chapter draws connections between contemporary cosmopolitan arguments for global justice and Kant's overall cosmopolitan concerns.
Katharine Gelber
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199236282
- eISBN:
- 9780191741357
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199236282.003.0003
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Feminist Philosophy, Philosophy of Language
A central idea within free speech arguments is that the most appropriate response to speech with which one disagrees, or which one finds intolerable, is to speak back. Some scholars have argued there ...
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A central idea within free speech arguments is that the most appropriate response to speech with which one disagrees, or which one finds intolerable, is to speak back. Some scholars have argued there may even be a basis for governmental or state support to assist some in speaking. This chapter develops this argument in relation to hate speech, arguing that because and to the extent to which hate speech may prevent its targets from speaking back, institutional, educational, and material support ought to be provided to enable the targets of hate speech to ‘speak back’. This would enable them both to contradict the messages contained within the hate speech and to counteract the effects of that speech on their ability to respond. The policy thus aims to ameliorate the potential effects of hate speech, and also to preserve and enhance speech opportunities. This chapter discusses the likely fortunes of a ‘speaking back’ policy in the United States and Australia; two jurisdictions with widely variant institutional mechanisms for the protection of free speech. It concludes that the speaking back policy is conceptually and practically useful in combating hate speech, and also potentially robust in differing constitutional environments.Less
A central idea within free speech arguments is that the most appropriate response to speech with which one disagrees, or which one finds intolerable, is to speak back. Some scholars have argued there may even be a basis for governmental or state support to assist some in speaking. This chapter develops this argument in relation to hate speech, arguing that because and to the extent to which hate speech may prevent its targets from speaking back, institutional, educational, and material support ought to be provided to enable the targets of hate speech to ‘speak back’. This would enable them both to contradict the messages contained within the hate speech and to counteract the effects of that speech on their ability to respond. The policy thus aims to ameliorate the potential effects of hate speech, and also to preserve and enhance speech opportunities. This chapter discusses the likely fortunes of a ‘speaking back’ policy in the United States and Australia; two jurisdictions with widely variant institutional mechanisms for the protection of free speech. It concludes that the speaking back policy is conceptually and practically useful in combating hate speech, and also potentially robust in differing constitutional environments.
Cara Nine
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199580217
- eISBN:
- 9780191741456
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199580217.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Chapter 2 defends the general collective right to territory from the perspective of natural law theory. A general right to territory is a claim to be self-determining over some territory, even if the ...
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Chapter 2 defends the general collective right to territory from the perspective of natural law theory. A general right to territory is a claim to be self-determining over some territory, even if the particular territory is not yet identified. Natural law theory is well suited for the task of explaining and justifying territorial rights because it establishes a universal method for the appropriation of exclusive rights over goods. However, modern natural law theorists did not carry out a sustained investigation of territorial rights. Consequently, this chapter utilizes capability theory to develop a naturalistic perspective from which we can derive a general principle regarding the acquisition of territorial rights. This principle tells us that exclusive territorial rights are justified if they are essential for the provision of individual basic needs.Less
Chapter 2 defends the general collective right to territory from the perspective of natural law theory. A general right to territory is a claim to be self-determining over some territory, even if the particular territory is not yet identified. Natural law theory is well suited for the task of explaining and justifying territorial rights because it establishes a universal method for the appropriation of exclusive rights over goods. However, modern natural law theorists did not carry out a sustained investigation of territorial rights. Consequently, this chapter utilizes capability theory to develop a naturalistic perspective from which we can derive a general principle regarding the acquisition of territorial rights. This principle tells us that exclusive territorial rights are justified if they are essential for the provision of individual basic needs.
Riccardo Del Punta
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780198836087
- eISBN:
- 9780191873447
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198836087.003.0005
- Subject:
- Law, Employment Law
The chapter argues how the capability approach, taken essentially as a normative theory, can contribute towards providing a new and updated foundation for labour law. The conditions on the basis of ...
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The chapter argues how the capability approach, taken essentially as a normative theory, can contribute towards providing a new and updated foundation for labour law. The conditions on the basis of which a political theory may be relevant to labour law are first discussed, while acknowledging that a unique theory cannot provide a justification for all labour law but, rather, for specific laws. As regards the discipline’s classical core, which is aimed at compensating the inequality of power inherent to the employment relationship, that is, at reducing (although never eliminating) the level of the employer’s domination over the employee in Pettit’s perspective, it is argued that these norms can also be interpreted in terms of the capability theory, provided that the latter goes beyond its methodological individualism and deals with the dimension of power inside social relationships. However, the theoretical gains provided by this interpretation do not seem decisive. Instead, it is argued that the latest generation of labour laws has proposed new regulatory perspectives that can be seen as aimed at promoting the workers’ capabilities. Several examples are made with regard to European labour law, which are characterized by a new philosophy of protection that goes beyond a merely paternalistic approach and aims at enhancing the worker’s autonomy and responsibility. In conclusion, the chapter suggests that the capability view could give a remarkable contribution to the renewal of the fundamentally social-democratic background of labour law in a perspective of advanced social liberalism.Less
The chapter argues how the capability approach, taken essentially as a normative theory, can contribute towards providing a new and updated foundation for labour law. The conditions on the basis of which a political theory may be relevant to labour law are first discussed, while acknowledging that a unique theory cannot provide a justification for all labour law but, rather, for specific laws. As regards the discipline’s classical core, which is aimed at compensating the inequality of power inherent to the employment relationship, that is, at reducing (although never eliminating) the level of the employer’s domination over the employee in Pettit’s perspective, it is argued that these norms can also be interpreted in terms of the capability theory, provided that the latter goes beyond its methodological individualism and deals with the dimension of power inside social relationships. However, the theoretical gains provided by this interpretation do not seem decisive. Instead, it is argued that the latest generation of labour laws has proposed new regulatory perspectives that can be seen as aimed at promoting the workers’ capabilities. Several examples are made with regard to European labour law, which are characterized by a new philosophy of protection that goes beyond a merely paternalistic approach and aims at enhancing the worker’s autonomy and responsibility. In conclusion, the chapter suggests that the capability view could give a remarkable contribution to the renewal of the fundamentally social-democratic background of labour law in a perspective of advanced social liberalism.
Breena Holland
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780199692071
- eISBN:
- 9780191799488
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199692071.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics, Political Economy
This chapter provides a general overview of the central problems in environmental policy that the book addresses. Key limitations of economic analysis and deliberative decision-making are ...
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This chapter provides a general overview of the central problems in environmental policy that the book addresses. Key limitations of economic analysis and deliberative decision-making are contextualized and highlighted. “Capabilities theory” is introduced and its relevance to addressing these limitations is discussed. The chapter brings out two primary themes. The first theme concerns the importance of non-economic ideals, such as social justice and equality as political goals and social commitments. The second theme concerns the role of distributional assessment in environmental policy, and particularly its importance for evaluating and designing contemporary environmental policies. The chapter closes with a synopsis of the chapters to come, focusing on how the ideas in them are linked together and the specific areas of environmental policy to which the ideas will be applied.Less
This chapter provides a general overview of the central problems in environmental policy that the book addresses. Key limitations of economic analysis and deliberative decision-making are contextualized and highlighted. “Capabilities theory” is introduced and its relevance to addressing these limitations is discussed. The chapter brings out two primary themes. The first theme concerns the importance of non-economic ideals, such as social justice and equality as political goals and social commitments. The second theme concerns the role of distributional assessment in environmental policy, and particularly its importance for evaluating and designing contemporary environmental policies. The chapter closes with a synopsis of the chapters to come, focusing on how the ideas in them are linked together and the specific areas of environmental policy to which the ideas will be applied.
Bruce Jennings
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- August 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780190940362
- eISBN:
- 9780190940379
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190940362.003.0018
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter engages two issues as they bear on genomic editing and the effects of biotechnology on human well-being: (1) how technology influences a reductionistic and manipulative understanding of ...
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This chapter engages two issues as they bear on genomic editing and the effects of biotechnology on human well-being: (1) how technology influences a reductionistic and manipulative understanding of biopower and biopolitics, fundamentally at odds with the worldview of bioethical humanism; and (2) how the reconceptualization of human flourishing in capability theories of justice bears on the ethics of biotechnology. The argument of this chapter appeals to a relational or “ecological” humanism that will assist bioethics in developing a critique of the technologies and knowledges of molecular reductionism. In the perspective of relational humanism, human beings are empowered as subjects of value and agents of self-realization, and mutual relations of interdependence and solidarity are affirmed. Along these lines, a reframed debate concerning the governance of biopower and the promotion of just human flourishing in an age of biotechnology can take place.Less
This chapter engages two issues as they bear on genomic editing and the effects of biotechnology on human well-being: (1) how technology influences a reductionistic and manipulative understanding of biopower and biopolitics, fundamentally at odds with the worldview of bioethical humanism; and (2) how the reconceptualization of human flourishing in capability theories of justice bears on the ethics of biotechnology. The argument of this chapter appeals to a relational or “ecological” humanism that will assist bioethics in developing a critique of the technologies and knowledges of molecular reductionism. In the perspective of relational humanism, human beings are empowered as subjects of value and agents of self-realization, and mutual relations of interdependence and solidarity are affirmed. Along these lines, a reframed debate concerning the governance of biopower and the promotion of just human flourishing in an age of biotechnology can take place.
Allen Thompson and Jeremy Bendik-Keymer (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262017534
- eISBN:
- 9780262301541
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262017534.001.0001
- Subject:
- Environmental Science, Climate
Predictions about global climate change have produced both stark scenarios of environmental catastrophe and purportedly pragmatic ideas about adaptation. This book takes a different perspective, ...
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Predictions about global climate change have produced both stark scenarios of environmental catastrophe and purportedly pragmatic ideas about adaptation. This book takes a different perspective, exploring the idea that the challenge of adapting to global climate change is fundamentally an ethical one, that it is not simply a matter of adapting our infrastructures and economies to mitigate damage but rather of adapting ourselves to realities of a new global climate. The challenge is to restore our conception of humanity—to understand human flourishing in new ways—in an age in which humanity shapes the basic conditions of the global environment. In the face of what we have unintentionally done to Earth’s ecology, who shall we become? The contributors examine ways that new realities will require us to revisit and adjust the practice of ecological restoration; the place of ecology in our conception of justice; the form and substance of traditional virtues and vices; and the organizations, scale, and underlying metaphors of important institutions. Topics discussed include historical fidelity in ecological restoration; the application of capability theory to ecology; the questionable ethics of geoengineering; and the cognitive transformation required if we are to “think like a planet.”Less
Predictions about global climate change have produced both stark scenarios of environmental catastrophe and purportedly pragmatic ideas about adaptation. This book takes a different perspective, exploring the idea that the challenge of adapting to global climate change is fundamentally an ethical one, that it is not simply a matter of adapting our infrastructures and economies to mitigate damage but rather of adapting ourselves to realities of a new global climate. The challenge is to restore our conception of humanity—to understand human flourishing in new ways—in an age in which humanity shapes the basic conditions of the global environment. In the face of what we have unintentionally done to Earth’s ecology, who shall we become? The contributors examine ways that new realities will require us to revisit and adjust the practice of ecological restoration; the place of ecology in our conception of justice; the form and substance of traditional virtues and vices; and the organizations, scale, and underlying metaphors of important institutions. Topics discussed include historical fidelity in ecological restoration; the application of capability theory to ecology; the questionable ethics of geoengineering; and the cognitive transformation required if we are to “think like a planet.”
Sandra Fredman
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- December 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780199689408
- eISBN:
- 9780191768293
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199689408.003.0002
- Subject:
- Law, Comparative Law, Human Rights and Immigration
While the notion of fundamental human rights attracts general respect, there is little agreement on how we identify rights or their substantive content and application. This chapter addresses several ...
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While the notion of fundamental human rights attracts general respect, there is little agreement on how we identify rights or their substantive content and application. This chapter addresses several ways of addressing these foundational disagreements. One is to formulate a moral principle, from which human rights can be derived. The chapter critically assesses possible moral foundational principles, including autonomy, dignity, basic interests, and capability theory. A second approach rejects the possibility of formulating universal principles. The chapter evaluates theories of pluralism and moral relativism in relation to human rights as well as the liberal response to relativism. The chapter then canvasses various ways of resolving such disagreements. The conclusion sets out the approach in this book. Rather than aspiring to achieve absolute answers across time and place, the book draws on the insights of deliberative democracy, aiming to engage in constant reasoned attempts to develop the understanding of human rights.Less
While the notion of fundamental human rights attracts general respect, there is little agreement on how we identify rights or their substantive content and application. This chapter addresses several ways of addressing these foundational disagreements. One is to formulate a moral principle, from which human rights can be derived. The chapter critically assesses possible moral foundational principles, including autonomy, dignity, basic interests, and capability theory. A second approach rejects the possibility of formulating universal principles. The chapter evaluates theories of pluralism and moral relativism in relation to human rights as well as the liberal response to relativism. The chapter then canvasses various ways of resolving such disagreements. The conclusion sets out the approach in this book. Rather than aspiring to achieve absolute answers across time and place, the book draws on the insights of deliberative democracy, aiming to engage in constant reasoned attempts to develop the understanding of human rights.
Alexis Elder
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190652951
- eISBN:
- 9780190652982
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190652951.003.0008
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
Robots seem to have great therapeutic value for patients with autism spectrum disorders. But their usefulness derives from a potentially problematic source: their appealingly friendly presence, which ...
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Robots seem to have great therapeutic value for patients with autism spectrum disorders. But their usefulness derives from a potentially problematic source: their appealingly friendly presence, which can lead patients to think of them as friends, or even to prefer their companionship to that of human beings. In this chapter, an analogy between false friends and counterfeit currency is leveraged to explore a potential moral hazard posed by these therapeutic robots. An objection from the subjective nature of the value of friendship is raised, and refuted by an appeal to the importance of cultivating social capabilities. I conclude that the moral hazard can be mitigated by careful design and responsible use, and that these therapies offer genuine promise. But I argue that we must tread with caution when using robots in therapeutic applications where the appearance of friendship is liable to arise.Less
Robots seem to have great therapeutic value for patients with autism spectrum disorders. But their usefulness derives from a potentially problematic source: their appealingly friendly presence, which can lead patients to think of them as friends, or even to prefer their companionship to that of human beings. In this chapter, an analogy between false friends and counterfeit currency is leveraged to explore a potential moral hazard posed by these therapeutic robots. An objection from the subjective nature of the value of friendship is raised, and refuted by an appeal to the importance of cultivating social capabilities. I conclude that the moral hazard can be mitigated by careful design and responsible use, and that these therapies offer genuine promise. But I argue that we must tread with caution when using robots in therapeutic applications where the appearance of friendship is liable to arise.
