Ideal theory (politics)

In political philosophy, an ideal theory is a theory which specifies the optimum 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]

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

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

The most famous use of ideal theory is John Rawls' A Theory of Justice. Rawls' reasoning behind using ideal theory is that these are necessary as a 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]

Ideal theory vs. non- ideal theory

Ideal theory assumes full compliance, citizens are subject to the rules of a state and fully adhere to them.[7] These rules need not be just but the compliance to them is what contributes to the optimum of a society.[1] Rules in ideal theory often outline what ought to take precedence in order for favorable conditions to appear and be maintained.[1] In contrast with the principle of full compliance of ideal theory, partial compliance is a characteristic of non-ideal theory. Full compliance can not be realised within non-ideal theories because these take into consideration unfavourable social conditions which lead to negative consequences such as crises.[3] Partial compliance more closely resembles a realistic social configuration of today, thus another feature that differs between ideal and non-ideal theories is the realistic elements in each.[7]

In terms of idealisation and reality, Colin Farelly[8] and Charles Mills [9] suggest that normative debates can not be addressed by ideal theory because the assumptions on which these rest are false. This also forms part of the criticism given by Amartya Sen, who argues that ideal theory is too idealistic.[4] Instead, non-ideal theory provides an idea based on situations which are observable in the social reality.[2]

Ideal theory provides a view of how society ought to be like and indicates the principles that have to be in place in order to achieve it.[7] This idealized vision exists as a long term goal or something to strive to due to the assumptions it lies upon. This qualifies ideal theory as an end-state theory.[3] Non-ideal theory is seen as a transitional theory because the means through which social issues are presented are through improvements which are based on the existing social reality instead of an out-of-reach vision.

References
  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, 0807-8967.
  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.
  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. Rawls, John, 1921-2002, author. (December 2005). A theory of justice. ISBN 978-81-7534-175-3. OCLC 908122343.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. Valentini, Laura (2012-08-22). "Ideal vs. Non-ideal Theory: A Conceptual Map". Philosophy Compass. 7 (9): 654–664. doi:10.1111/j.1747-9991.2012.00500.x. ISSN 1747-9991.
  8. Farrelly, Colin (December 2007). "Justice in Ideal Theory: A Refutation". Political Studies. 55 (4): 844–864. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9248.2007.00656.x. ISSN 0032-3217. S2CID 145781022.
  9. Mills, Charles W. (2017-05-15), ""Ideal Theory" As Ideology", Theories of Justice, Routledge, pp. 565–584, doi:10.4324/9781315236322-31, ISBN 978-1-315-23632-2
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