Development as Freedom is a book that challenges the conventional wisdom of what development means and how it can be achieved. Amartya Sen, a Nobel laureate in economics, argues that development is not just about increasing income, growth, or productivity, but about expanding the freedoms that people have to live the lives they value. He shows how different aspects of freedom, such as political rights, social opportunities, economic security, and human capabilities, are interrelated and mutually reinforcing. He also demonstrates how the lack of freedom, or unfreedom, can lead to various forms of deprivation, such as poverty, famine, illiteracy, oppression, and violence.
Sen’s book is not only a theoretical exposition, but also a practical guide for policy-makers and activists who want to promote human development. He draws on his extensive research and experience in various fields and regions of the world, such as India, China, Africa, and Latin America. He provides concrete examples and empirical evidence to support his arguments and to illustrate the benefits and challenges of implementing his approach. He also engages with the views and criticisms of other scholars and thinkers, such as Adam Smith, Karl Marx, John Rawls, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Development as Freedom is a book that inspires and enlightens. It offers a vision of development that is based on human dignity, justice, and empowerment. It is a book that anyone who cares about the well-being of humanity should read.