Ideal vs. Non-ideal Theory: A Conceptual Map

Philosophy Compass 7 (9):654–664 (2012)
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Abstract

This article provides a conceptual map of the debate on ideal and non‐ideal theory. It argues that this debate encompasses a number of different questions, which have not been kept sufficiently separate in the literature. In particular, the article distinguishes between the following three interpretations of the ‘ideal vs. non‐ideal theory’ contrast: (i) full compliance vs. partial compliance theory; (ii) utopian vs. realistic theory; (iii) end‐state vs. transitional theory. The article advances critical reflections on each of these sub‐debates, and highlights areas for future research in the field.

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Laura Valentini
Ludwig Maximilians Universität, München

Citations of this work

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References found in this work

A Theory of Justice: Revised Edition.John Rawls - 1999 - Harvard University Press.
Anarchy, State, and Utopia.Robert Nozick - 1974 - New York: Basic Books.
The idea of justice.Amartya Sen - 2009 - Cambridge: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.
The law of peoples.John Rawls - 1999 - Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Edited by John Rawls.

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