Martha Nussbaum's conception of justice: An inquiry on capability approach

Justice is a philosophical problem which is the most discussed and written about in contemporary political philosophy. Especially, "A Theory of Justice", which was written by John Ralws in 1971, is the milestone in this respect. The debate on which type of government is superior now given way to which policies or systems are just or not. What is being debated is now directly justice itself. Justice now takes precedence over other political problems. Discussion and clarification of any political philosophy problem gain authencity when the priority of justice is taken into account. Whether freedom or equality is discussed, it must firstly clarifyed what it is meaned by justice. That is only possible by putting forward a holistic and systematic theory of justice. Martha Nussbaum's theory of justice, which is main topic of this study, is adressed in that context. We put forward that her theory of justice developed with Amartya Sen based on capability approach. The main idea behind Nussbaum's capability approach is shaped by the question of what people can do and be in real? While she loook for an answer this question, she is especially inspired by Aristotle's idea that human beings have some capacities that they need to develop. Capabilities, functionings and human dignity have a central role in the capability approach. Martha Nussbaum has established a theory of justice (capability approach) that is both normative and practice. The normative aspect of her theory based on ten central capabilities list that determines the standards of justice. This list is also direclty related to the concept of human dignity which is the main component of Nussbaum's theory of justice. The concept of human dignity is explained and objectified by means of these ten capabilities. Living a dignified life for human being is only realized by providing these capabilities to each person. Nussbaum makes responsible to the states for ensuring this list for their citizens. After establishing the normative aspects of his theory of justice, Nussbaum applies these central capabilities to the practical life. The practical aspect of his theory is related to the practical problems, which are strongly connected with her idea of capabilities, such as woman rights, disabilities and global justice and solution of these problems as well. Key Words: Justice, Capability, Functionings, Virtue, Nussbaum