Philosophical Influences

Abstract

The Capabilities Approach is a modern view, but it has a long history. Both Sen and I strongly insist that the intuitive ideas that lie behind it have their roots in many different cultures, and probably in all cultures. Questions about a person’s opportunities and options, what she is really in a position to do and to be, are ubiquitous in human life; they are probably part not just of every culture but of every individual life. Moreover, the dissatisfaction and protest to which the approach responds are also ubiquitous. Where do people not say, “I want to do X,