Thinker
Amartya Sen
3 key ideas, each explained in our own words.
Amartya Sen: Development as Freedom
- IDEA 1
Capability approach
Sen argued that development should be judged by what people are actually able to do and be, not only by income. Health, education and freedom are both ends and means.
- IDEA 2
No famine in a functioning democracy
He observed that famines rarely occur where there is a free press and elections, because governments must respond. Information and accountability save lives.
- IDEA 3
Argumentative tradition
Sen highlighted India's long history of public debate and tolerance of disagreement. Reasoned argument is part of Indian heritage, not a foreign import.
Debates featuring Amartya Sen
Are welfare schemes empowerment or dependency?Welfare empowers vs Handouts can trapShould the state run businesses?Leave it to markets vs Some sectors need the stateHas globalisation helped or hurt developing countries?It lifted millions vs Gains were unevenWhy are so few women in India's workforce, and what fixes it?Remove barriers vs Create the right jobsShould we measure progress by GDP or well-being?GDP matters vs Well-being mattersIs poverty mainly about individual choices or systems?Choices and effort vs Systems and structures
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