Amartya Sen

Economics Indian 1933 370 quotes

Nobel laureate, capabilities approach to development

Quotes by Amartya Sen

The 'freedom to choose' is meaningless without the 'capability to choose'.

Development as Freedom

The 'identity' of individuals is complex and multi-faceted, not reducible to a single affiliation.

Identity and Violence: The Illusion of Destiny 2006

The 'value of life' cannot be reduced to a purely economic calculation.

On Ethics and Economics

The 'role of public action' is essential for addressing social deprivations and expanding freedoms.

Development as Freedom

The 'concept of justice' is not about finding a perfect set of institutions, but about reducing manifest injustices.

The Idea of Justice 2009

The 'market' is a powerful tool, but it needs to be guided by ethical considerations and public policy.

On Ethics and Economics

The 'idea of development' should encompass not just material progress, but also the expansion of human flourishing.

Development as Freedom

The 'importance of public reasoning' is central to both democracy and justice.

The Idea of Justice

The 'failure of entitlements' is a key cause of famine, even in the presence of sufficient food supply.

Poverty and Famines: An Essay on Entitlement and Deprivation 1981

The 'pursuit of happiness' is not just about individual pleasure, but also about the ability to live a life one has reason to value.

Development as Freedom