Martha C. Nussbaum: Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal Education. Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press. 1997. 301 pp. $28.50

Authors

  • Martin Gunderson

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v11i1.161

Keywords:

Book Review

Abstract

Martha Nussbaum argues that the purpose of liberal education is to cultivate humanity. In her view, this is the same as educating for world citizenship. But, what does it mean to cultivate humanity? According to Nussbaum one cultivates humanity by developing three capacities. The first is the capacity for critical self-examination and critical thinking about one’s own culture and traditions. The second is the capacity to see oneself as a human being who is bound to all humans with ties of concern. The third is the capacity for narrative imagination – the ability to empathize with others and to put oneself in another’s place. As one develops these capacities one becomes increasingly suited for world citizenship.

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Author Biography

Martin Gunderson

Martin Gunderson, Ph.D., J.D., is Professor of Philosophy at Macalester College. An expert in ethics and bio-medical ethics, he is writing a book on Stoicism and suicide. In addition, Gunderson is an attorney specializing in the philosophy of law.

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Published

2005-08-15

How to Cite

Gunderson, M. (2005). Martha C. Nussbaum: Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal Education. Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press. 1997. 301 pp. $28.50. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 11(1), 245–248. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v11i1.161