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<p>In this paper, I single out three opposing sets of features that characterize the debates on ideal vs. non-ideal theory vis-à-vis the desired anti-oppressive character of normative theories: idealization and abstraction vs. concreteness; unthematized situatedness vs. thematized situatedness; end-state theorizing vs. open-endedness. Theorists often tend to focus on these features separately as the main point of contention of three distinct debates concerning the need for appropriate normative tools to target and counteract oppression: the methodological, the epistemological, and the procedural debate. My central argument is that non-ideal theory is <i>more likely</i> to realize its anti-oppressive potential when it integrates its three defining features through a specific conception of open-endedness – namely, open-endedness as semantic practice dependence – which inherently entails concreteness and thematized situatedness. When integrated, these elements help to overcome the limitations each would face separately. At the same time, I emphasize that neither feature of non-ideal theory, either separately or jointly, can <i>guarantee</i> an anti-oppressive normative framework, and that ideal theory, too, can serve an anti-oppressive function.</p>

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Ideal vs. Non-Ideal: Why Normative Theory Often Fails to Target Oppression and How it Might do Better

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月10日

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  • Francesca Cesarano

摘要

In this paper, I single out three opposing sets of features that characterize the debates on ideal vs. non-ideal theory vis-à-vis the desired anti-oppressive character of normative theories: idealization and abstraction vs. concreteness; unthematized situatedness vs. thematized situatedness; end-state theorizing vs. open-endedness. Theorists often tend to focus on these features separately as the main point of contention of three distinct debates concerning the need for appropriate normative tools to target and counteract oppression: the methodological, the epistemological, and the procedural debate. My central argument is that non-ideal theory is more likely to realize its anti-oppressive potential when it integrates its three defining features through a specific conception of open-endedness – namely, open-endedness as semantic practice dependence – which inherently entails concreteness and thematized situatedness. When integrated, these elements help to overcome the limitations each would face separately. At the same time, I emphasize that neither feature of non-ideal theory, either separately or jointly, can guarantee an anti-oppressive normative framework, and that ideal theory, too, can serve an anti-oppressive function.