Single Idea 20995

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 5. Freedom of lifestyle]

Full Idea

Capability is an aspect of freedom, concentrating in particular on substantive opportunities.

Gist of Idea

Capabilities are part of freedom, involving real opportunities

Source

Amartya Sen (The Idea of Justice [2009], 13 'Well-being')

Book Reference

Sen, Amartya: 'The Idea of Justice' [Penguin 2010], p.287


A Reaction

This is the 'capabilities approach' of Sen and Nussbaum. The key word is 'substantive' (as opposed to theoretical). We are all free to become astronauts, but....