Contributions of Martha Nussbaum's capabilities approach to contemporary education

Abstract

This essay aims to discuss some contributions of the Capabilities Approach proposed by the American philosopher Martha Nussbaum for contemporary education. It is understood that the philosophical and normative foundation of this approach, which is based on a concept of human dignity supported by a conception of basic social justice, presents relevant challenges for the educational field in view of the need to establish efforts so that the development is human and not only economic. The essay's conclusions state three main contributions: i) that education should be thought of with plural goals and objectives, which can interact with the multiple core capabilities; ii) education as a space for the development of practical reason, in which subjects have at their disposal the conditions to take control of their own lives, with autonomy, critical thinking, and imagination; and iii), education and its social function, which, beyond the individual development of subjects, needs to promote social justice, based on universal citizenship.