Capability vs functioning, and dignity
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Question
Capability?
Answer
The real opportunity or freedom to do or be something — being able to eat, learn, take part, be safe.
Question
Functioning?
Answer
Actually doing or being that thing — actually eating, actually voting; the exercise of a capability.
Question
Capability vs functioning?
Answer
Capability = being ABLE to; functioning = actually DOING it. The approach aims at capability.
Question
Why aim at capability, not functioning?
Answer
To protect freedom — secure the opportunity for everyone, but leave it to each person to choose whether to use it.
Question
The starving person vs the free faster?
Answer
Same body-state, opposite situations: one has no capability for food, the other has it and freely chooses not to use it.
Question
Human dignity (in Nussbaum)?
Answer
The worth every person has simply as a human being; a life below the capabilities threshold is beneath that dignity.
Question
How does dignity ground the approach?
Answer
Giving people real opportunities plus the freedom to use them treats them as dignified choosers, not mouths to feed.
Question
The exception for children?
Answer
For young children some functionings (like being educated) may be required, to protect their future capabilities as adults.
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Topic 10.6 hub
Creating Capabilities — Nussbaum
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