Abstract
New societies require social polities based upon renewed ethical values. We are witnessing the regeneration of the ethical models that nourish social policy in a more inclusive manner, being more acquiescent with diversity than are the classical social contract and justice theories. This paper examines the regeneration of these ethical foundations from contemporary paradigms of thought, such as Martha Nussbaum and Amartya Sen’s, in contrast to the ones proposed by Rawls and contractarianism. Special focus is put on the problem of dependency in our societies. The conclusions drawn advocate for an inclusive social contract that embraces the diversity of human functionings and capabilities. This work also discusses the reasons why a regeneration of ethical models shaping the theories of justice, which are the core of our social order, is essential.
Highlights
New societies require social polities based upon renewed ethical values
The turn of political theory towards moral philosophy and the revival of ethics in the public realm, which has been pointed out by Rawls, Habermas, Rorty, Vattimo, Dworkin, Sandel, Nussbaum and Sen, among others, is due to at least two main factors: the excessive economism prevailing in political principles and, in turn, the search for a democratic regeneration to update these political principles (Habermas, 1997
Nations and public policies are urged to enhance every person’s living standards by providing the framework where capabilities can be developed. In his Inequality Reexamined (1992), the Indian economist makes two relevant critiques of egalitarianism, focusing on Rawlsian theories: the heterogeneity of human beings and the multiplicity of variables for evaluating equality (Sen, 1992, p.1). While acknowledging that she pursues Rawls’s footsteps along political liberalism, Nussbaum builds up her capabilities approach in the form of a dialogue and continuous critique of the Rawlsian concept of contract
Summary
Sen and Nussbaum’s capabilities approach offers an ideal normative framework to evaluate the extent of individual well-being, assess equity in public policy and develop human nature. The starting point of the capability approach is the critique of utilitarian and liberal conceptions that link development and well-being to consumption and distribution of wealth Both the economist (1992) and the philosopher (2000) insist that quality of life and well-being are determined by the extent of capability development, rather than by the income level. It is not about utility but opportunity to convert commodities at our disposal into valuable achievements: Equal incomes can go with significant differences in wealth. Quality of life involves development of education, healthcare, resources and income, In this line, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) published the first report on human development based on Sen’s studies. The process of development can expand human capabilities by expanding the choices that people have to live full and creative lives. (UNDP, 2004, p.127)
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