By the winner of the 1988 Nobel Prize in Economics an essential and paradigmaltering framework for understanding economic developmentfor both rich and poorin the twentyfirst century. Freedom Sen argues is both the end and most efficient means of sustaining economic life and the key to securing the general welfare of the worlds entire population. Releasing the idea of individual freedom from association with any particular historical intellectual political or religious tradition Sen clearly demonstrates its current applicability and possibilities. In the new global economy where despite unprecedented increases in overall opulence the contemporary world denies elementary freedoms to vast numbersperhaps even the majority of peoplehe concludes it is still possible to practically and optimistically restain a sense of social accountability. Development as Freedom is essential reading. show more