Liberalism of Martha C. Nussbaum: Between Individual Autonomy and Political Tolerance

Abstract

This paper describes the ambiguity of Martha C. Nussbaum’s political theory based on her development ethics known as the capabilities approach. She is eager to present herself as a political liberal and claims to offer more promising foundations of political toleration than Larmore and Rawls: her position better deals with the issues of overalpping consensus, respect and religious freedom than that of Rawls. Is it really the case? Linda Barclay argues that Nussbaum’s capabilities approach is in fact a comprehensive ethical doctrine focused on individual moral autonomy and as such cannot be considered as a form of political liberalism. Nussbaum rejects the claim and exhibits universal and pluralistic elements in her approach. In developing her account of political liberalism she engages in a criticism of comprehensive liberals, especially Mill, Berlin, and Raz.