Viewing Development as Freedom – The Contemporary World Academic Masterpieces Series in Economics

Author: Amartya Sen (Author), Ren Zei, Yu Zhen, et al. (Translators)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-07-18
Features: In this book, Amartya Sen elaborates on the concept that economic development, by its very nature, is the growth of freedom in a refined, concise, and comprehensive manner. He uses historical examples, empirical evidence, and powerful yet rigorous analysis to demonstrate that broad and appropriately conceived development is entirely unhostile to freedom. On the contrary, it is precisely the expansion of freedom that constitutes development. Development as Freedom is a landmark work that synthesizes Amartya Sen's outstanding achievements over the years in fundamental economic theory, empirical research, and moral-political philosophy. The 1998 Nobel laureate in Economics, Amartya Sen, challenges the narrow paradigm of development and explains that the substantive freedom of individuals is both the ultimate goal and an important means of development, establishing a new theoretical framework. The book argues that development is a comprehensive process involving economics, politics, society, values, and many other aspects, meaning the elimination of poverty, personal bondage, various forms of discrimination and oppression, the lack of rule of law, rights, and social security, thereby enhancing people's ability to live according to their own wishes. Based on extensive empirical research, Sen analyzes major issues faced by developing countries and clarifies effective solutions in practice. While emphasizing the foundational and significant contributions of market mechanisms and globalization to improving people's living standards, he points out that governments and society must also take responsibility in areas such as human survival, health, and education. Moreover, he stresses that individuals, as the main agents of development, must play an active role in comprehensive social interaction and transformation.