The Return of Ethics and Spirituality in Global Development

Description

The theory of modernization basically reduces the meaning of development to economic growth often measured by Growth Domestic Product of the country or overall purchase power parity of the nation. This approach ignores the variety of perspectives on development, hence excludes the role of culture, identity, and spirituality as social determinants of good development. More importantly, modernization theory which informs the mainstream view on development ignores the structural causes of underdevelopment, including colonial heritage or the current unbridled capitalism in many societies.Against reductionist views of development, fundamental questions are raised about the theory and programming of development.ul liFrom what perspective is the conception of development perceivedli liWho should decide and depict development goalsli liWhat kind of development could result in desirable changesli liIs it morally desirable to dictate an exclusively Western understanding of development to othersli liIs there any link between development and a right of nations to self-determinationli liWho is morally accountable for global inequality or bad developmentliulThe novelty of this book lies in its multidisciplinary approach in exploring the role of ethics and spirituality as the curing alternates for the gamut of ills which originate in global inequality. All authors are academics based in a variety of countries and specialize in questions concerning development and spirituality.strongMahmoud Masaelistrong is the Founder and Executive Director of Alternative Perspectives and Global Concerns APGC ap-gc.net. He is also a visiting professor at the University of Ottawa.strongRico Snellerstrong is lecturer in philosophy and vice-president of Alternative Perspectives and Global Concerns APGC.ISBN 9789463712248