Nussbaum, cosmopolitanism and contemporary political problems

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to be a critical engagement with the ideas of Martha Nussbaum, as expressed in her recent book Creating Capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The author's discussion focuses on the relationship which exists between Nussbaum's capabilities approach and cosmopolitan political thought. It follows Nussbaum in making a distinction between “strong” and “weak” cosmopolitanism.

Findings

The paper maintains that, despite Nussbaum's claim that she is not a cosmopolitan thinker, it is arguable that she can be associated with a weak form of cosmopolitanism.

Originality/value

This is an original piece of work which sheds new light on the relationship which exists between the ideas of Martha Nussbaum and the cosmopolitan tradition.

Citation

Burns, A. (2013), "Nussbaum, cosmopolitanism and contemporary political problems", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 40 No. 7, pp. 648-662. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-2012-0175