Date of Award
8-7-2018
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Philosophy
First Advisor
Peter Lindsay
Second Advisor
Sebastian Rand
Third Advisor
Andrew Altman
Abstract
This paper takes issue with the methodological framework and practices of nonideal theory. I argue that nonideal theory, while attempting to offer a substantive alternative to ideal theory, fails to deliver on its promises insofar as it takes a juridical view of society. The juridical view involves the overwhelming dependence on, employment of, and requirements of, the concept of justice. I contend that nonideal theory should instead adopt a more Marxian approach to social and political philosophy which involves, inter alia, viewing society as an interworking and interdependent totality of needs, production relations, and ideas. Finally, I argue that the juridical view is misguided and, as a result, that nonideal theory, to the extent that it wants to distinguish itself from the dominance of ideal theory, should abandon the discourse of justice altogether.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/12043379
Recommended Citation
Vanwulven, Tyler, "A Marxian Critique of Nonideal Theory." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2018.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/12043379