The World's Best Book Summaries
Can there be a legitimate society? If so, what would it look like? These are the questions that Jean-Jacques Rousseau attempts to answer in The Social Contract. In this classic work, the 18th-century Swiss philosopher discusses political legitimacy, or the ethical right to exercise political authority by creating and enforcing laws. Continue reading for a brief overview of The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
What was the Great Famine? What could have prevented the Irish potato famine? Between 1845 and 1849, Ireland experienced mass starvation and disease after most potato crops got infected. Amartya Sen uses the example of England’s lack of support during the potato famine to demonstrate how easy it is to prevent famines. Keep reading to learn what could have prevented the potato famine and how famines can be prevented today.
What causes a mass food shortage? Are famines easy to prevent? In Development as Freedom, Amartya Sen says that all famines are avoidable. While it’s commonly assumed famines are caused by an imbalance between population and food supply, it’s actually a result of government failure. Read more to know how to prevent famine through government intervention and assistance.
What was China’s one-child policy? How did the one-child policy affect China? Between 1980 and 2016, China had a one-child policy designed to combat overpopulation by limiting families to having one child. The policy restricted women’s rights, caused higher child mortality rates, and led to more crime in the nation. Continue reading to learn more about the impact of China’s one-child policy, according to Amartya Sen in Development as Freedom.
What’s the Lee thesis? Why does it claim that authoritarianism helps poor nations better than democracy does? Amartya Sen claims in Development as Freedom that democracy is the solution to helping poor economies, but the Lee thesis states otherwise. The thesis states that authoritarianism eradicates poverty because of a focus on economic development rather than freedom. Let’s look at what Sen has to say about the Lee thesis and whether authoritarianism really is the answer to economic prosperity.
What’s the relationship between democracy and economic growth? Does democracy have a direct effect on the growth of a nation’s economy? Policymakers around the world are conflicted on the role democracy plays in economic growth. Amartya Sen, author of Development as Freedom, says that the key to helping poor economies thrive is to implement a democracy into their government. Let’s look at Sen’s argument that supports establishing democracies in underdeveloped nations—and why some people disagree with him.
What are ways to increase economic growth? Why is it so difficult for poor economies to develop? Two of the major reasons underdeveloped countries have poor economies are government intervention in markets and restricted women’s rights. In Development as Freedom, Amartya Sen says that establishing free markets and empowering women are two key ways to increase economic growth. Read below to learn how to increase economic growth.
What are three theories of economic justice examples? How do they all differ in ethics and values? In Development as Freedom, Amartya Sen outlines three theories of economic justice: utilitarianism, libertarianism, and Rawlsian justice. All of these theories have their own pros and cons, which means no theory is the “right” approach to economics. Let’s look at these economic justice examples by exploring their advantages and disadvantages.
What are the types of freedom, according to Amartya Sen? Why is it important for governments to support and instill these types of freedoms into their countries? In Development as Freedom, Amartya Sen makes a philosophical case that freedom-centered development can create a better society and economy. The types of freedom that are essential for a person’s potential are democratic rights, commercial liberties, public provisions, ethical guardrails, and safety nets. Check out what Sen believes are the most important freedoms a person should have.
What are the four different types of poverty traps? Is it possible for countries to escape those traps? According to British economist Paul Collier, the four types of poverty traps are the conflict trap, the natural resource trap, being landlocked, and poor governance. These “traps” are why the poorest countries remain poor and struggle to catch up with the developing world. Here’s a detailed look at each kind of poverty trap.