Literary Imagination and Neo-Aristotelianism at the Origins of Martha Nussbaum’s Philosophical Project

Abstract

The literary imagination and its relationship with the moral life, occupies a prominent place in the philosophical project of Martha Nussbaum. From her years of doctoral studies at Harvard, the philosopher found significant links between the narrative plots and a normative sense of life that emerges when contemplating various characters that act in contingency, and that expose our radical vulnerability. Accordingly, this article reconstructs important aspects of the cultural heritage that Martha Nussbaum takes from ancient Greek literature and philosophy, emphasizing how the author establishes innovative connections between the literary imagination and the practical philosophy of Aristotle, to build a philosophical project that today sheds light on understanding aspects of our emotional life, and our aspiration to build fairer and more supportive societies.