The Ethics of Development: From Economism to Human Development

A self-contained introduction to the field of ethics and development, this book asks what is good ‘development’, of societies and for people. It looks at how equating development with economic growth has been challenged–examining who benefits from this growth; and which aspects of life are valued by this growth. It goes on to explore an alternative concept-that of ‘human development’, meaning achievement with respect to a wider range of values and the advancement of people’s freedom to achieve well-reasoned values. This book brings together ideas from philosophy, economics and social theory, building in particular on the work of Len Doyal, Ian Gough, Martha Nussbaum and Amartya Sen. It elucidates complex issues with the help of historical and contemporary examples. It also: Provides case studies on famine, health and drugs supply, colonialism, land alienation and land reform, international debt, structural adjustment and Civil War. Includes easy-to-grasp tables and figures, discussion questions and suggestions for further reading. Places emphasis on probing and clarifying the meanings and uses of key concepts including ‘development’, ‘efficiency’, ‘effectiveness’, ‘equity’, ‘violence’, ‘needs’, ‘freedom’, ‘choices’, ‘culture’ and ‘community.’ The Ethics of Development deals sympathetically and carefully with a wide range of viewpoints. It will be invaluable to students in development studies, anthropology, economics, philosophy, political science and social policy. It will also be of use to practitioners in the field of ethics and development as also the general reader.