Nussbaum

Quinell Feder

     Nussbaum created a list of all capabilities necessary for a good human life. This does not mean merely existing; this means a life of fulfillment and happiness. She clearly states that not all of these capabilities must be practiced, but a human must have the opportunity to exercise these capacities. The human must choose which capabilities they want to exercise that would be beneficial to their life and well being. These capabilities are life, bodily health, bodily integrity, senses, imagination, thought, emotions, practical reason, affiliation, other species, play and control over one’s environment.

      I agree that all people universally should have access to these 10 capabilities that she lists. Although this becomes much more difficult when you consider non-westernized cultures who practice different religions, who don’t necessarily share the same values as me or Nussbaum. Many of the capabilities Nussbaum lists are prohibited by religion; therefore the opportunity is not there for many women to practice these capabilities. Many civilizations follow a patriarchy; this often alludes to women having less freedom and rights than men. This also means that if you are living in that civilization as a woman, you might not think you need the opportunity to these capabilities in order to live a valuable happy life. For example the capability of bodily integrity, you should be able to move freely from place to place. Yet in Saudi Arabia women are not aloud to leave the country or travel without the consent of her father. Yet that might not be a factor that is making her life “less happy” it could just be practicing her religion. Yet if my dad prohibited me from traveling it would make me less fulfilled because I find happiness through seeing the world. This is called cross culture difference, because different cultures give different answers to moral questions.

      Nussbaum realizes that this is a criticism of her list of capabilities. Yet she states that we are too focused on the importance of different cultures that we are ignoring or denying moral evaluation. “Women belong to cultures. But they do not choose to be born into any particular culture, and they do not really choose to endorse its norms as good for themselves, unless they do so in possession of further options and opportunities (Nussbaum, 54)” I agree with this response. Although I do respect different cultures and religions I find it hard to believe that all woman in these religions are happy or fulfilled, because many are scared and muted. Nussbaum is looking out for these people specifically and that is why she emphasizes the opportunity to practice these capabilities, and as it stands now not all women have the ability to make a choice.