PSIR – 20 Advanced 20-Mark Model Answer Series
Model Answer 16
“Amartya Sen’s capability approach offers a significant critique of Rawls’ theory of justice.” Discuss. (20 Marks)
🔹 Introduction
John Rawls’ theory of justice as fairness revived normative political theory through principles derived from the original position. Amartya Sen critiques Rawls by shifting focus from ideal institutions to real human capabilities and lived outcomes.
🔹 Rawls’ Theory of Justice
- Original position behind veil of ignorance.
- Two principles: equal liberty and difference principle.
- Focus on primary goods distribution.
Rawls emphasizes fairness in institutional design.
🔹 Sen’s Capability Approach
- Focus on what individuals are able to do and be.
- Justice measured through capabilities, not just resources.
- Comparative and outcome-oriented approach.
Sen argues that equal distribution of goods does not ensure equal freedom.
🔹 Points of Critique
1️⃣ Primary Goods vs Capabilities
- Rawls: Equal primary goods.
- Sen: Individuals convert goods differently.
2️⃣ Ideal vs Comparative Justice
- Rawls: Focus on perfectly just institutions.
- Sen: Focus on reducing manifest injustice.
3️⃣ Institutional vs Human-Centered Approach
- Rawls prioritizes institutional framework.
- Sen emphasizes real freedoms.
🔹 Convergence
- Both value freedom and equality.
- Both reject utilitarian aggregation.
🔹 Critical Evaluation
Sen broadens justice discourse by highlighting diversity and agency. However, critics argue capability measurement lacks precision. Rawls provides clearer institutional guidelines, while Sen offers practical evaluative tools.
🔹 Conclusion
Sen’s capability approach enriches and critiques Rawls by focusing on real freedoms rather than ideal distribution. Together, they represent complementary dimensions of contemporary justice theory.
Shaktimatha Learning – Advanced 20-Mark Model Answer Series
No comments:
Post a Comment