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Amartya Sen’s capability approach as theoretical foundation of human development
Abstract
This article discusses the theoretical scheme of human development as proposed in the 1990s by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) by exploring the theoretical foundations of Amartya Sen’s capability approach. Sen critiques traditional development thinking that considers Gross Domestic Product growth as a principal vehicle for progress and economic development. Human Development, grounded on the capability approach, focuses on the enhancement of people’s real freedom to choose the kinds of lives they have reasons to value. This essay explores the strengths and weaknesses of the capability approach toward realizing holistic human development, an approach that focuses on human development as enhancement of individual freedom. For the capability approach to be an effective tool for evaluating human development, however, it is argued here that Ubuntu philosophy should be incorporated. Ubuntu philosophy envisions the human being as a communal being driven by the virtues of cooperation and solidarity.
Key words: Human development, capability approach, freedom, Amartya Sen, Ubuntu philosophy
