According to Sen, there is a fundamental difference between a person who voluntarily fasts and a person who cannot afford to eat because of poverty. The person who fasts voluntarily does so for religious, political, or personal reasons, and has the option to end the fast whenever they wish. In contrast, a person who cannot afford to eat due to poverty has no choice and often must endure this condition for a prolonged period, without the resources to end their state of food deprivation. For Sen, the freedom to choose and the ability to end situations of deprivation are essential elements of true individual freedom and the capacity to fully develop one’s potential. Therefore, it is crucial to distinguish between voluntary deprivation and deprivation caused by poverty when addressing issues of development and human freedom.
The influence of Aristotle on Sen’s philosophy
Aristotle had a profound influence on Sen’s philosophy, particularly regarding his conception of ethics and justice. Sen developed his theory of the ethics of economics on the basis of Aristotle’s theory of virtue ethics. According to this theory, both individual and collective happiness depend on the cultivation of individual and social virtues such as justice, moderation, and prudence. Furthermore, Sen’s understanding of justice as fairness and its importance for building a just society has Aristotelian roots. He also adopted Aristotle’s conception of practical reason as a tool for addressing the practical problems of human action, especially in the realms of economics and public policy. However, Sen also developed his theory independently from Aristotle, integrating ideas from other philosophical traditions and elaborating original concepts.
The relationship between Smith, Nussbaum, and Sen
Smith, Nussbaum, and Sen are all important thinkers in the history of economics and political philosophy. Their connection lies in their shared emphasis on the centrality of the human being in economic and political theory. Smith was one of the earliest advocates of economic freedom and free markets. His most famous work, The Wealth of Nations, emphasizes the importance of the individual in the economy and how the division of labor and specialization can lead to greater prosperity and well-being.
Nussbaum, philosopher and legal scholar, developed an ethical theory of economics that places human dignity and social justice at its core. Her framework argues that the economy should serve human beings rather than the other way around, and that economic freedom must be balanced by a set of social and political rights.
Sen, Nobel Prize laureate in economics (1998), developed a theory of development economics that highlights individual freedom and social justice. According to his approach, economic development should be understood as a means to promote human freedom and well-being, rather than an end in itself. Sen also argues that poverty should not be assessed solely in terms of income, but also in terms of people’s capabilities and opportunities to realize their potential.
Conclusion
In summary, the relationship among these three thinkers lies in their common focus on the central role of the human being in economics and political philosophy—though each approaches this theme with different nuances and perspectives.