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Amartya Sen is one of the world's best-known voices for the poor, the destitute and the downtrodden and an inspiration for policy makers and activists across the globe. He has also contributed almost without peer to the study of economics, philosophy and politics, transforming social choice theory, development economics, ethics, political philosophy and Indian political economy, to list but a few.
This book offers a much-needed introduction to Amartya Sen's extraordinary variety of ideas. Lawrence Hamilton provides an excellent, accessible guide to the full range of Sen's writings, contextualizing his ideas and summarizing the associated debates. In elegant prose, Hamilton reconstructs Sen's critiques of the major philosophies of his time, assesses his now famous concern for capabilities as an alternative for thinking about poverty, inequality, gender discrimination, development, democracy and justice, and unearths some overlooked gems. Throughout, these major theoretical and philosophical achievements are subjected to rigorous scrutiny.
Amartya Sen is a major work on one of the most influential economists and philosophers of the last couple of centuries. It will be invaluable to students and scholars across the humanities and social sciences and an excellent guide for policy makers, legislators and global activists.
List of contents
Contents
Acknowledgements
Preface
Key Texts
Introduction
Chapter 1: Choice
Chapter 2: Capability
Chapter 3: Freedom
Chapter 4: Justice
Chapter 5: Democracy
Conclusion
Further Reading
Bibliography
Index
About the author
Lawrence Hamilton is Professor of Political Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the SARChI/Newton Research Professor in Political Theory, University of Cambridge and Wits.
Summary
Amartya Sen is one of the world's best-known voices for the poor, the destitute and the downtrodden and an inspiration for policy makers and activists across the globe. He has also contributed almost without peer to the study of economics, philosophy and politics, transforming social choice theory, development economics, ethics, political philosophy and Indian political economy, to list but a few.
This book offers a much-needed introduction to Amartya Sen's extraordinary variety of ideas. Lawrence Hamilton provides an excellent, accessible guide to the full range of Sen's writings, contextualizing his ideas and summarizing the associated debates. In elegant prose, Hamilton reconstructs Sen's critiques of the major philosophies of his time, assesses his now famous concern for capabilities as an alternative for thinking about poverty, inequality, gender discrimination, development, democracy and justice, and unearths some overlooked gems. Throughout, these major theoretical and philosophical achievements are subjected to rigorous scrutiny.
Amartya Sen is a major work on one of the most influential economists and philosophers of the last couple of centuries. It will be invaluable to students and scholars across the humanities and social sciences and an excellent guide for policy makers, legislators and global activists.
Report
'Amartya Sen's monumental work has created new foundations for research, policy and action in a wide range of fields. This concise, lucid and lively book will be of immense value to anyone interested in Sen's essential ideas.'
Jean Drèze, Delhi School of Economics
'This is a real tour de force examination of key ideas championed by Amartya Sen. Well written and insightful, it's a perfect introduction to one of the world's greatest minds.'
Thom Brooks, Professor of Law and Government and Dean of Durham Law School, Durham University
