Commodities and Capabilities
by Amartya Sen
Format: Hardcover
ISBN13: 9780444877307
Hardcover|9780444877307
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Overview
This monograph explores the foundations of welfare economics - in particular the assessment of personal well-being and advantage. Arguments are presented against the usual concentration on ``utility'' (as in traditional welfare economics) and on ``opulence'' (as in ``real income'' estimations and other normative measurements). An alternative framework is developed for the analysis of personal well-being based on assessing ``functionings'' and the ``capability to function'' - i.e. what a person can do or can be. The functionings considered vary from such basic biological performances as ``being well-nourished'' to such social achievements as ``being able to take part in the life of the community''. This exercise of comparing achievements and capabilities provides a structure for inter-personal comparisons of well-being. The book's critical appraisal of traditional methods combined with a newly developed framework throws new light on comparisons of well-being, and aids assessment of some international contrasts.
| ISBN-13 | 9780444877307 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10 | 0444877304 |
| Weight | 0.35 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 5.50 x 0.50 x 8.00 In |
| List Price | $82.75 |
| Format | Hardcover |
|---|---|
| Pages | 130 pages |
| Publisher | Elsevier Science Ltd |
| Published On | 1985-10-01 |
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