POLITICAL IDEALS AND THE FEASIBILITY FRONTIER

David Wiens

Economics and Philosophy, 2015, vol. 31, issue 3, 447-477

Abstract: I present an analysis of feasibility that generalizes the economic concept of a production possibility frontier and develop a model of the feasibility frontier using the familiar possible worlds technology. I then use the model to show that we cannot reasonably expect that adopting political ideals as long-term reform objectives will guide us toward the realization of morally optimal feasible states of affairs. I conclude by proposing that political philosophers turn their attention to the analysis of actual social failures rather than political ideals.

Date: 2015
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