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Cambridge Journal of Economics Advance Access originally published online on April 13, 2006
Cambridge Journal of Economics 2006 30(5):671-685; doi:10.1093/cje/bel012
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© The Author 2006. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Cambridge Political Economy Society. All rights reserved.

Article

Capabilities as causal powers

Nuno Martins*

* Portuguese Catholic University

Address for correspondence: Portuguese Catholic University, Faculty of Economics and Management, Rua Diogo Botelho, 132741690-005 Porto, Portugal; email: nmartins{at}porto.ucp.pt

Abstract

The author argues that Sen's capability approach is primarily a philosophical under-labouring exercise aimed at elaborating certain central economic categories, and that the philosophical and methodological underpinnings of Sen's approach are radically different from those of contemporary welfare economics and mainstream economic practice. Sen's notion of ‘capabilities’ as the potential functionings to achieve well-being is interpreted here as a specification of the ontological category of ‘causal power’, presupposing an open system conception of reality that contrasts with much of contemporary economic practice.

Key Words: Capabilities • Powers • Structures • Ontology

JEL classification: B41, D63, I31, Z13

Manuscript received October 17, 2004; final version received December 16, 2005.


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