Infeasibility as a normative argument‐stopper: The case of open borders

European Journal of Philosophy 29 (4):965-987 (2021)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

The open borders view is frequently dismissed for making infeasible demands. This is a potent strategy. Unlike normative arguments regarding open borders, which tend to be relatively intractable, the charge of infeasibility is supposed to operate as what we call a "normative argument-stopper." Nonetheless, we argue that the strategy fails. Bringing about open borders is perfectly feasible on the most plausible account of feasibility. We consider and reject what we take to be the only three credible ways to save the charge of infeasibility: by proposing an alternative account of feasibility; by proposing an alternative, more circumscribed interpretation of the subject-matter of feasibility claims; and by proposing a more expansive account of the addressees of the demand for open borders. The first fails to vindicate the claim that infeasibility is a normative argument-stopper. The second does not provide an argument against open borders at all. The third underestimates the power of at least some non-state actors. We conclude by drawing some lessons for the open borders view and the use of feasibility in politics more generally.

Similar books and articles

Immigration and freedom of movement.Adam Hosein - 2013 - Ethics and Global Politics 6 (1):25-37.
Against Normative Naturalism.Matthew S. Bedke - 2012 - Australasian Journal of Philosophy 90 (1):111 - 129.
Challenging borders: The case for open borders with Joseph Carens and Jean-Luc Nancy.James A. Chamberlain - forthcoming - Sage Publications: Journal of International Political Theory.
A Defense of Open Borders.Christopher Freiman - 2018 - In David Boonin, Katrina L. Sifferd, Tyler K. Fagan, Valerie Gray Hardcastle, Michael Huemer, Daniel Wodak, Derk Pereboom, Stephen J. Morse, Sarah Tyson, Mark Zelcer, Garrett VanPelt, Devin Casey, Philip E. Devine, David K. Chan, Maarten Boudry, Christopher Freiman, Hrishikesh Joshi, Shelley Wilcox, Jason Brennan, Eric Wiland, Ryan Muldoon, Mark Alfano, Philip Robichaud, Kevin Timpe, David Livingstone Smith, Francis J. Beckwith, Dan Hooley, Russell Blackford, John Corvino, Corey McCall, Dan Demetriou, Ajume Wingo, Michael Shermer, Ole Martin Moen, Aksel Braanen Sterri, Teresa Blankmeyer Burke, Jeppe von Platz, John Thrasher, Mary Hawkesworth, William MacAskill, Daniel Halliday, Janine O’Flynn, Yoaav Isaacs, Jason Iuliano, Claire Pickard, Arvin M. Gouw, Tina Rulli, Justin Caouette, Allen Habib, Brian D. Earp, Andrew Vierra, Subrena E. Smith, Danielle M. Wenner, Lisa Diependaele, Sigrid Sterckx, G. Owen Schaefer, Markus K. Labude, Harisan Unais Nasir, Udo Schuklenk, Benjamin Zolf & Woolwine (eds.), The Palgrave Handbook of Philosophy and Public Policy. Springer Verlag. pp. 161-171.
Immigration and Borders.Shelley Wilcox - 2015 - In Andrew Fiala (ed.), Bloomsbury Companion to Political Philosophy. New York: Bloomsbury Press.
Aliens and Citizens.Joseph H. Carens - 1987 - Review of Politics 49 (2):251-273.
Epistemological Open Questions.Daniel Greco - 2015 - Australasian Journal of Philosophy 93 (3):509-523.
Open Borders.Vicki Shana Horwitz - 2008 - Dissertation, Georgia State University

Analytics

Added to PP
2020-12-29

Downloads
533 (#31,045)

6 months
130 (#22,525)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author Profiles

Robert Goodin
Australian National University
Nicholas Southwood
Australian National University

Citations of this work

No citations found.

Add more citations