The Capability Approach and its Association with Prof. Amartya Sen

The Capability Approach is a theoretical framework that focuses on the importance of individuals' capabilities and their freedom to choose in determining their well-being. This approach was developed by Professor Amartya Sen, a Nobel laureate in Economics, and has been widely used in various fields such as development studies, public policy, and ethics.

Concept of Capability Approach

The Capability Approach emphasizes the importance of individuals' capabilities and opportunities rather than their income or material possessions. It argues that people's well-being should be measured by the freedom they have to choose and achieve what they value, rather than solely by their income. This approach also recognizes that people have different starting points and varying levels of disadvantage, which can limit their opportunities and capabilities.

Sen's Contribution

Prof. Amartya Sen is widely recognized as the founder of the Capability Approach. He first introduced this framework in his book "Development as Freedom" in 1999. Sen argued that development should be seen as a process of expanding people's capabilities and opportunities, rather than just increasing their income. He also emphasized the importance of social and political freedoms, such as freedom of speech and association, in enabling people to achieve their goals.

Application of Capability Approach

The Capability Approach has been widely used in various fields such as development studies, public policy, and ethics. It has been used to assess the impact of policies and programs on people's well-being, to evaluate the effectiveness of development interventions, and to inform ethical debates about social justice and human rights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Capability Approach is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of individuals' capabilities and opportunities in determining their well-being. It was developed by Prof. Amartya Sen, who argued that development should be seen as a process of expanding people's capabilities and opportunities. The Capability Approach has been widely used in various fields and has contributed to our understanding of well-being, development, and social justice.