Felix Nussbaum (1904-1944)

Nussbaum: a Utilitarian Critique

This Essay offers a utilitarian perspective on Martha Nussbaum’s theory of justice. Nussbaum believes that society should guarantee to every individual a threshold level of central human capabilities. Although Nussbaum’s approach has considerable appeal, it is implausible and unappealing when it diverges greatly from utilitarianism. Nussbaum’s theory requires that enormous sums of money be devo...

M’mboyi, Felix

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Nussbaum, Capabilities and Older People

This paper assesses the usefulness of Nussbaum’s version of the capabilities approach for understanding the condition of older people in developing countries. It observes that ageing is a highly heterogeneous experience, but that policy debates take a polarized approach. The paper then summarizes key elements of Nussbaum’s approach, relates these to older people, and identifies a key distinctio...

Felix Lam

M’mboyi, Felix