Research On The Amartya Sen's Substantive Freedom Theory

The right-prior principle is considered as the criterion by the main stream liberalism in western countries at all times. Correspondingly, the"formal liberation"originated from it has become into the top value of the main stream liberalism in the west. Against this, Amartya sen,based on the reprehension of utilitarianism guided by the results and liberation concliarism guided by the process, proposed a new freedom theory,"substantive freedom".This paper fully studies the substantive freedom theory, profoundly explores bases of it and systemically analyzes it based on the above. In this paper, it is deemed that Amartya sen redefines"freedom"by the"capability", consider and measure"freedom"through two sides,"opportunity"and"process"so that he could incorporates"positive freedom"and"negative freedom". The first section of the article analyze the definition, content and theoretical basis of"substantive freedom". Based on this, the second section introduced the consideration of equality. Sen had point out that, any theory of social arrangements actually demands a certain respect and equality, this is due to the diversity of the core variables.After Sen had compared to other social arrangements theory, show the shortcomings of their respective, he then raised the point of view - the equal capacity feasible. The third section probed the development concept of"substantive freedom". Sen considered: human being is the center of development, expand the substantive freedom of human being. People-centered, the highest values standards is freedom .At the end of this article, discuss the relationship of democracy and development. In the fourth section, discuss the enlightenment which comes from Sen's"substantive freedom"act on China's public administration: firstly, Government should commit oneself to keep equality of citizen's feasible capacity, become a progressive government; second, political freedom of citizen is a part of their own values, couldn't deprive it by any reason, so democracy government is the real role of the government.As a social arrangement theory, the"substantive freedom"thinking of sen is very profound and realistic. The attention of results, emphasis of disparities of people, researches of equality and the notion of free development of sen all play a significant guidance to the real society. Meanwhile, the theory of s also shows his deep emotion to the humanism.