A perfectionist basic structure

Abstract

When philosophers talk about perfectionism, it is usually as a view of well-being, of developing characteristically human capacities. Yet perfectionism can also be a normative account of what we owe to each other. This article argues that perfectionists have reason to endorse a perfectionist basic structure such that enables persons to develop and exercise their human capacities in meaningful ways. This basic structure has two complementary features: First, it enables a diversity of life experiences. Second, it provides a spatial opportunity structure that creates open-minded environments. Absent these features, rich or lucky individuals gain an unfair advantage in the sphere of opportunities for developing their capacities in meaningful ways.

Bowling alone in the autonomous vehicle: the ethics of well-being in the driverless car

“…Without these triggers, and absent an environment that provides opportunities to develop and exercise our capacities, those capacities are at risk of withering or disappearing (Sypnowich 2016). It follows that an environment that promotes well-being is an environment that provides rich and diverse opportunities for developing and exercising our capacities, whereas an environment that is bland, monotonous and boring will limit the potential of developing and exercising our capacities (Ferdman 2019).…”

“…The material and the social environment provide the background that triggers (or inhibits) the development and exercise of our human capacities. The background against which persons develop and exercise their capacities is the 'socio-spatial opportunity structure' (Ferdman 2019).…”

Legitimacy and two roles for flourishing in politics

“…The state has the authority to promote flourishing, even at the expense of certain non-perfectionist ends, and so certain otherwise illegitimate courses of state conduct are legitimated on the grounds that they promote flourishing. By contrast, this is never the case for 36 See Ferdman (2019) for some discussion. consideration-based perfectionism.…”

Walking and Its Contribution to Objective Well-Being

“…In attaining these things, we are exercising our human capacities and fulfilling our flourishing potential. Finally, a good life involves developing all of the human capacities to some degree and combining them in different activities (Ferdman 2019; Hurka 1993).…”