Abstract: | The author argues that Sen's capability approach is primarilya philosophical under-labouring exercise aimed at elaboratingcertain central economic categories, and that the philosophicaland methodological underpinnings of Sen's approach are radicallydifferent from those of contemporary welfare economics and mainstreameconomic practice. Sen's notion of capabilitiesas the potential functionings to achieve well-being is interpretedhere as a specification of the ontological category of causalpower, presupposing an open system conception of realitythat contrasts with much of contemporary economic practice. |