Ideal theory (politics)

This article is about the usage in political philosophy. For the mathematical theory, see Ideal theory.

In political philosophy, an ideal theory is a theory which specifies the optimal societal structure based on idealised assumptions and normative theory. It stems from the assumption that citizens are fully compliant to a state which enjoys favorable social conditions, which makes it unrealistic in character.[1]  Ideal theories do not offer solutions to real world problems,[2] instead the aim of ideal theory is to provide a guide for improvements based on what society should normatively appear to be. Another interpretation of ideal theories is that they are end-state theories.[3]

Ideal theory is contrasted with non-ideal theory in political philosophy. Scholars such as Amartya Sen provide a critique on ideal theory as an approach for being too idealistic and unnecessary.[4]

The distinction between ideal theory and non-ideal theory was first proposed by John Rawls in A Theory of Justice. Rawls' reasoning behind using ideal theory is that it provides a necessary base for non-ideal theories to follow.[5] His conception of the world in his work is based on an ideal perfect society. In this society, principles of justice are created behind a “veil of ignorance”,  which situates citizens outside their social position in order for them to bargain without the influence of their self-interest.[6] The main claim of Rawls’ ideal hypothesis is that there would be no disadvantaged or advantaged group, therefore, a situation of ideal equal fairness would be in place.[6]

  1. ^ Robeyns, Ingrid (2008). "Ideal Theory in Theory and Practice". Social Theory and Practice. 34 (3): 341–362. doi:10.5840/soctheorpract200834321. ISSN 0037-802X.
  2. ^ Stemplowska, Zofia (2017-05-15), "What's Ideal About Ideal Theory?", Theories of Justice, Routledge, pp. 205–232, doi:10.4324/9781315236322-32, ISBN 978-1-315-23632-2
  3. ^ Loureiro, Marco (2015). "Ideal Theory and Its Applicability: Are Principles Independent from Facts?". Revista Diacrítica. 29 (2): 231–250. ISSN 0870-8967.
  4. ^ Schmidtz, David (2011). "Nonideal Theory: What It Is and What It Needs to Be". Ethics. 121 (4): 772–796. doi:10.1086/660816. ISSN 0014-1704. JSTOR 10.1086/660816. S2CID 144510752.
  5. ^ Stemplowska, Zofia; Swift, Adam (2012-06-18). Estlund, David (ed.). "Ideal and Nonideal Theory". The Oxford Handbook of Political Philosophy. doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195376692.001.0001. ISBN 9780195376692. Retrieved 2020-05-15.
  6. ^ a b Rawls, John, 1921-2002, author. (December 2005). A theory of justice. ISBN 978-81-7534-175-3. OCLC 908122343. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)