Ideal Theory Vs. Non-Ideal Theory
Full-Compliance Theory Vs. Partial Compliance Theory
An economic theory where "ideal theory" assumes strict compliance and works out the principles that characterize a well-ordered society under favorable circumstances, and "non-ideal" is worked out after an "ideal conception of justice has been chosen" and addresses what the parties are to do when conditions are not as perfect as they are assumed to be in ideal theory.
Origin
Formalized by philosopher John Rawls in his landmark 1971 work A Theory of Justice, where he distinguished between principles for a perfectly just society and strategies for addressing injustice as it actually exists. The framework sparked lasting debate, with critics like Amartya Sen and Charles Mills arguing that ideal theory risks ignoring systemic oppression.