Amartya Sen's capabilities approach to development focuses on enhancing people's freedoms and opportunities from "summary" of The Worldly Philosophers by Robert L. Heilbroner
Amartya Sen's capabilities approach to development is a perspective that emphasizes the importance of expanding individuals' freedoms and opportunities. Sen argues that the goal of development should not be solely focused on increasing economic growth or material wealth, but rather on enhancing the capabilities of people to live the kind of lives they value. According to Sen, capabilities are the substantive freedoms that individuals have to choose and pursue different ways of living. This includes not only having access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare but also the ability to participate in society, pursue education, and engage in cultural activities. Sen believes that by expanding people's capabilities, development can lead to a more just and equitable society. One of the key aspects of Sen's approach is the focus on agency, or the ability of individuals to make choices and take actions that shape their lives. Sen argues that development policies should empower people to make decisions about their own well-being and that individuals should have a say in the processes that affect them. By enhancing people's agency, development can be more responsive to the needs and desires of individuals, leading to more sustainable and inclusive outcomes. Sen's capabilities approach also highlights the interconnectedness of different aspects of human well-being. He argues that development should not be narrowly focused on economic indicators but should take into account a wide range of factors that contribute to human flourishing. This includes social, political, environmental, and cultural dimensions that shape people's lives and opportunities.- Sen's capabilities approach offers a rich and nuanced understanding of development that goes beyond traditional measures of progress. By focusing on enhancing people's freedoms and opportunities, Sen advocates for a more holistic and human-centered approach to development that prioritizes human well-being and agency.
