What (if anything) is ideological about ideal theory?

It is sometimes argued that ideal theories in political philosophy are a form of ideology. This article examines arguments building on the work Charles Mills and Raymond Geuss for claim cognitively distorting belief systems have effect stabilizing unjust social arrangements. I argue neither succeed establishing content necessarily defective way characteristic ideologies, nor can they make plausible which mechanisms ensure alleged negative effects widespread acceptance theorizing. does not mean all hope lost ideology objection, however. By turning to second Marxian model ideology, ideological character so much matter their content, but rather form. Ideal falsely present normative concepts use as semantically practice-independent thereby block potential challenges from subordinate groups dominant ideologies. therefore proves be objectionable, particular role play wider discourse.