Abstract

SILVA CARRENO, Wilmer Hernando. The approach to capabilities as the foundation of contemporary ethics. rev.latinoam.bioet. [online]. 2020, vol.20, n.2, pp.75-90.  Epub Apr 23, 2021. ISSN 1657-4702.  https://doi.org/10.18359/rlbi.4615.

Part of the current foundation of ethics derives from theories and classical schools, particularly Western and rationalist-based, which have cared about the sense of good living, even until normalizing it. This article considers the meaning in which Nussbaum's approach to capabilities can contribute to broaden a foundation of contemporary ethics, using hermeneutic phenomenology as a methodological route and basis, since it simplifies and guides the interpretation and construction of discourse. For this, it is first described what integrates the capabilities approach in Nussbaum; second, the subject of Nussbaum's understanding of human beings is discussed; third, it is shown how the approach to capabilities differs from traditional ethical theories, such as the ethics of virtue, utilitarianism, and deontology; finally, the meaning in which capacity development is configured as the foundation of dignity is analyzed. It is concluded then, that the skills approach, in addition to enabling a space in which we can make intercultural judgments on the diverse ways of life, offers alternatives of debate, for example, by considering ethics against “disability” as one of the issues of special interest to bioethics.

Keywords : approach to capacities; dignity; ethics; disability; social justice.

        · abstract in Spanish | Portuguese     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )