Nussbaum, the Ernst Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics at the University of Chicago, was recognized in part for leading a "global discourse on philosophical topics that influence the human condition in profound ways, including contemporary theories of justice, law, education, feminism and international development assistance." She helped introduce "the notion of incorporating human capabilities (what each person is able to do or be) into the criteria for social justice, beyond the conventional theory of equality based on a social contract among rational individuals," the Foundation wrote in a press release.

 

In a statement to the University, the professor said she was “deeply honored and humbled” by the prize.

 

Nussbaum is one of three recipients of the Kyoto Prize this year. The others are Tasuku Honjo, a medical scientist, who won the Life Sciences award, and Takeo Kanade, a roboticist, who won the Information Science award. Nussbaum will formally receive the prize in Kyoto in November.