ABSTRACT
Several methods for the selection of capabilities and functionings have been proposed within the capability literature. Which method should we prefer when selecting capabilities and functionings that are normatively relevant for development? In this chapter, fifteen proposed methods, categorized as ad hoc, foundational, procedural, and mixed (or multi-stage) methods, are identified and discussed. Ad hoc methods base their selection of capabilities on pragmatic considerations, foundational methods on some ultimate normative value or principle, procedural methods on more open-ended, democratic information, while mixed (or multi-stage) methods employ two or more foundational and procedural methods in conjunction. It is argued that selecting capabilities and functionings relevant for human development requires a mixed (or multi-stage) method.
