IB Diploma Programme (DP) - SL & HL · Philosophy

Martha C. Nussbaum, Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Martha C. Nussbaum, Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach.

10 questions22 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Nussbaum argues that the Capabilities Approach is superior to the GDP-based approach because GDP:

Question 2

1 mark

How does Nussbaum's Capabilities Approach view the relationship between the individual and the state?

Question 3

1 mark

What role does the concept of "Human Dignity" play in Nussbaum's Capabilities Approach?

Question 4

1 mark

Which of the following best describes Nussbaum's view on "Pluralism" within her Human Development Approach?

Question 5

1 mark

In the context of Nussbaum’s theory, what are "Internal Capabilities"?

Question 6

2 marks

What is the significance of Bodily Integrity within the list of ten central human capabilities?

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Question 7

3 marks

According to Nussbaum, how does the Capabilities Approach differ from a traditional focus on GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per capita?

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Question 8

3 marks

In the context of Nussbaum's work, what is a functioning and how does it relate to a capability?

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Question 9

4 marks

In Creating Capabilities, Martha Nussbaum outlines a list of ten Central Human Capabilities.

a) Identify and briefly explain the meaning of the capability of 'Practical Reason' in Nussbaum's framework.
b) Briefly explain why Nussbaum argues that these capabilities should be the goal of public policy rather than just focusing on Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

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Question 10

5 marks

Martha Nussbaum’s Human Development Approach emphasizes 'substantial freedoms' over mere formal rights.

a) Explain the concept of 'Functioning' and how it relates to 'Capability' within Nussbaum's theory.
b) Discuss why Nussbaum insists that the state should focus on promoting capabilities (the opportunity to act) rather than forcing specific functionings (the act itself), and provide one potential exception to this rule mentioned in her work.

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