A perfectionist basic structure. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferdman, Avigail
• Is Part Of: Philosophy & social criticism. Volume 45:Number 7(2019)
• Page Start: 862
• Page End: 882
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: perfectionism -- basic structure -- human capacities -- objective-list -- opportunities; Philosophy -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; 300.1
• DOI: 10.1177/0191453718820891
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-4537

Abstract

When philosophers talk about perfectionism, it is usually as a view of well-being, of developing characteristically human capacities. Yet perfectionism can also be a normative account of what we owe to each other. This article argues that perfectionists have reason to endorse a perfectionist basic structure such that enables persons to develop and exercise their human capacities in meaningful ways. This basic structure has two complementary features: First, it enables a diversity of life experiences. Second, it provides a spatial opportunity structure that creates open-minded environments. Absent these features, rich or lucky individuals gain an unfair advantage in the sphere of opportunities for developing their capacities in meaningful ways.