Martha C. Nussbaum – The central Human Functional Capabilities

What is the difference between capability and functioning?


In this piece of writing the difference between both capability and functioning is explain very plainly and simply to make the reader understand. Nussabaum states that, “The way in which they differ is in the fact that when an imperial power tells a culture gown it ought to function, it is imposing its values on that culture. However when anyone insists that the capabilities to function in one of several ways must exist for people to live a truly human life” (Nussbaum 212). I thought that this quote pretty much summed up her point when it came to difference. I as stated in the intro her views are very sim8ilar to those of John Rawls, this is clearly seen as you read in it. One point in particular was pretty much Rawls speaking “…individual in a society, not the collective, that be protected and preserved if true justice is to prevail” (Nussbaum 212. “third“, “combined capabilities of all the basic and internal capabilities with a potential and social functioning’s” (Nussbam). This description seemed to be a bit weird because Nussbam seems to be describing some sort of functions the will or will take in. Overall I thought there was a great job done describing the difference, but it seems that Nussbaum is more for the capability side rather then the functioning. “ I introduce this as a list of capabilities rather then of actual functioning’s, because I shall argue that capability, not actual functioning, should be the goal of the public policy” (Nussbaum 215).

Works Sited

Martha C. Nussbaum. “The central Human Functional Capabilities” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford St. Martins,2006 pp 102-110.