The tragedy of non-ideal theory

Jubb, R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0956-4000 (2012) The tragedy of non-ideal theory. European Journal of Political Theory, 11 (3). pp. 229-246. ISSN 1741-2730 doi: 10.1177/1474885111430611

Abstract/Summary

This paper has three aims. First, it argues that the present use of ‘ideal theory’ is unhelpful, and that an earlier and apparently more natural use focusing on perfection would be preferable. Second, it has tried to show that revision of the use of the term would better expose two distinctive normative issues, and illustrated that claim by showing how some contributors to debates about ideal theory have gone wrong partly through not distinguishing them. Third, in exposing those two distinct normative issues, it has revealed a particular way in which ideal theory even under the more specific, revisionary definition will often be central to working out what to do in non-ideal circumstances. By clarifying the terms on which debates over ideal and non-ideal theory should take place, and highlighting the particular problems each deals with, it tries to clear the ground for turning to the actual problem, which is what to do in our non-ideal and often tragic circumstances.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/46757
Identification Number/DOI	10.1177/1474885111430611
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Politics, Economics and International Relations > Politics and International Relations
Publisher	Springer
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