The publication of The Fragility of Goodness in 1986 established Martha Nussbaum as a central figure in modern humanities, specifically regarding ancient Greek ethics and tragedy. Born in New York City in 1947, she has maintained a prolific career as a writer and university teacher, shaping contemporary discourse on political philosophy, feminism, ethics, and the role of emotions in human flourishing.
Academic Trajectory
Nussbaum completed her Bachelor of Arts at New York University in 1969. She later transitioned to Harvard University, where she earned an M.A. in 1972 and a Ph.D. in 1975 under the guidance of G.E.L. Owen. Her professional career began at Harvard, where she taught until 1982. Following her tenure at Brown University, she joined the faculty of the University of Chicago, where she serves as the Ernst Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics, holding appointments in the law school and philosophy department.
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Working alongside Amartya Sen, Nussbaum contributed significantly to the development of the capabilities approach to well-being. This framework evaluates human development by asking what each person is truly able to do and to be. She argues that governments must secure a threshold level of specific capabilities, ranging from bodily health and integrity to practical reason and affiliation, to ensure human dignity. Her work extends these protections to non-human animals and emphasizes the importance of political and material environments in fostering individual freedom.
Emotions and Public Discourse
Nussbaum’s philosophical inquiry into the emotions draws upon a neo-Stoic account, proposing that emotions function as appraisals of events or persons outside an agent's control. She has applied this lens to analyze complex human experiences such as grief, compassion, love, disgust, and shame. Beyond abstract theory, she has actively participated in public debates, including providing expert testimony during the Romer v. Evans trial in Colorado. She is a member of both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society.
Fast facts
- Born: 1947, New York City
- Ph.D. Institution: Harvard University
- Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy: 2016
- Berggruen Prize: 2018
- Princess of Asturias Award for Social Sciences: 2012
- Major Work: The Fragility of Goodness (1986)
- Professional Focus: Classical scholar and philosopher
- Notable Appointment: Ernst Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics
Questions readers ask
What is the primary focus of the capabilities approach?
It evaluates well-being by examining an individual's actual freedom and opportunities to achieve essential human states, such as health, thought, and political participation.
Which universities have employed Martha Nussbaum?
She has held academic positions at Harvard University, Brown University, and the University of Chicago.
Achievements
- Harvard Centennial Medal
- Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy — 2016
- Held posts at Brown University, Harvard University and University of Chicago
