ABSTRACT
In this chapter I argue for two claims. First, I contend that Sen’s capability approach to social ethics and international development permits or, better, requires democracy conceived as public deliberation. Second, I make a case that Sen’s conception of democracy, which he adumbrates in his recent work, would be fruitfully enriched and specified by the theory and practice of what is called “deliberative democracy.” It is especially in Development as Freedom (1999b), “Democracy as a Universal Value” (1999a), and the second edition of India: Development and Participation (Drèze and Sen 2002) that Sen makes clear his commitment to democracy conceived as public discussion and democratic decision making.
