Chapter Martha Nussbaum

Abstract

The entry offers a brief examination of Martha Nussbaum’s conception of work. Work is included in the list of human capabilities which describe her view of human development. It is important both in itself and in its connection to other capabilities such as practical reason and affiliation. In her perspective, what is valued is the freedom to exercise one’s personality in the sphere of work, it is not the functioning of work which is however the sort of value that has been treasured in many ethical and social traditions, from Christianity to socialism.