This paper investigates Martha Nussbaum's capabilities approach, which is influential in current political philosophy and policy making. The capabilities approach is contextualized within the scope of Nussbaum's influences in section I. These influences are primarily Aristotle, Kant, Marx, John Rawls, and Amartya Sen. In section II her own view is explicated with attention to the influences previously described. This section also attempts to clarify certain aspects of her view, such as her use of "person" and "human." This is in order to set the stage for section III, which critiques the various aspects of the approach which were explained in section II. In general, the capabilities approach is found wanting, however there are some useful qualities that are unique to a capabilities approach to political philosophy, ethics, or economics
