“Surplus in Man” and the capability-based sustained/total human development
International Journal of Development Issues
ISSN: 1446-8956
Article publication date: 26 August 2014
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to define a capability-based sustained/total human development, after reviewing both the concept of “Surplus in Man” as the source for achieving the Vedântic ideal of transcendence, and the capability approach to human development.
Design/methodology/approach
The capability-based sustained/total human development has been defined by integrating the Vedântic concept of “Surplus in Man” and the deontological theories of morality into the basic approach to capability-based human development.
Findings
An answer to the question: “How to apply a holistic approach to our daily life?” is outlined.
Practical implications
An example is provided on the role of yoga and meditation as the key initial bridging forces between the Western and Eastern concept of mental health. Also, the recent trend in a morally demanding lifestyle of a section of people in the Western societies for moving towards a galloping spiritual pluralism has been exemplified.
Originality/value
Role of responsibility of an individual human being along with his or her right has explicitly been emphasized in the approach to capability-based sustained/total human development.
Keywords
Citation
Dutta, D. (2014), "“Surplus in Man” and the capability-based sustained/total human development", International Journal of Development Issues, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 260-275. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDI-06-2014-0052
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited