Key Theorist: Martha Nussbaum

Martha Nussbaum is an American philosopher and legal scholar who has written extensively on a wide range of topics, including capabilities, feminism, human rights, and cosmopolitanism. Here are some of her key arguments in each of these areas:

1. Capabilities Approach: Nussbaum's capability approach emphasizes the importance of expanding individuals' capabilities, or their opportunities to lead a flourishing life. She argues that a just society should aim to maximize people's capabilities, which include things like health, education, political participation, and the ability to form relationships and pursue meaningful goals. Nussbaum believes that capabilities should be the basis for a theory of justice, and that societies should be evaluated in terms of how well they enable people to live a life that is rich in capabilities.

2. Feminism: Nussbaum has made significant contributions to feminist philosophy, arguing that feminist theory should be based on the idea of universal human capabilities rather than essentialist claims about gender. She has criticized both liberal and radical feminist approaches, and has called for a more inclusive and intersectional feminist philosophy that takes into account the experiences of women from different backgrounds. Nussbaum has also emphasized the importance of political participation and social justice for achieving gender equality, and has written extensively on issues like sexual harassment, violence against women, and reproductive rights.

3. Human rights: Nussbaum has argued that the capability approach provides a strong foundation for a theory of human rights, which should be based on the idea that all human beings have inherent dignity and are entitled to certain basic capabilities. She has criticized traditional approaches to human rights, which focus on negative rights (i.e., the right to be free from harm), for failing to provide a comprehensive framework for promoting human flourishing. Nussbaum has also emphasized the importance of addressing global inequalities and promoting social justice as part of a comprehensive human rights agenda.

4. Cosmopolitanism: Nussbaum is a proponent of cosmopolitanism, the idea that we have moral obligations to people beyond our own communities and borders. She argues that cosmopolitanism is necessary for promoting global justice and addressing pressing global problems like poverty, environmental degradation, and human rights abuses. Nussbaum has also emphasized the importance of cultivating empathy and understanding for people from different cultures and backgrounds, and has criticized cultural relativism as a form of moral isolationism that undermines our obligations to others.