Martha C. Nussbaum is a trailblazer in the field of women’s philosophy, as she was the only female guest in the entire series “The Great Philosophers” in 1987. Her exposition was sharp, smart, and witty. Nussbaum’s style is both lucid and elegant. Her contributions to the capabilities approach, her theory of emotions, and her work on anger were groundbreaking during that time.

The capabilities approach (CA) might seem simple, but it is a subtle theory that changes how we think about human needs. CA argues that it is the government’s duty to provide all citizens with equal capabilities to live a flourishing life. It is not about giving people what they want. A well-known phenomenon is the “sour grapes” parable, where a fox claimed he did not want grapes because they were green and unripe, but in reality, he could not reach them. Similarly, people living in impoverished conditions suffer from the deformation of their preferences. For instance, a person with plenty of food may choose to fast, but there is a stark difference between fasting and starving.

It is often assumed that emotion and intellect are two different, interacting systems. One view suggests that emotions tell us what we want, while intellect shows us how to achieve it. However, Nussbaum rejects this dichotomy. According to her, emotion is inseparable from reason, and emotions play a vital role in moral philosophy. Emotions are intelligent responses to the perception of values.

Nussbaum’s exploration of the role of emotions highlights their integral place in moral judgment. Rather than being opposed to reason, emotions help us understand and engage with important ethical concerns. Her work reshapes the way we view human behavior, emphasizing that emotions like anger and compassion guide us toward justice. This understanding provides a more holistic approach to human experience, integrating both thought and feeling in moral and political decisions.