“Surplus in Man” and the capability-based sustained/total human development

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.

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