Can there be economic growth without economic development?

Is human development a "means" to achieving economic growth, or is it an "end" that can be achieved through economic growth?

• Answer:

  Thank you for this well articulated question, and it definitely tempts me into saying 'both'. But let us take a look at it objectively. Concept of a broader human development was first laid out by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amartya_Sen, a 1998 Nobel laureate, and expanded upon by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_Nussbaum, Sabina Alkire, Ingrid Robeyns, and others. Human development encompasses more than just the rise or fall of national incomes. Development is thus about expanding the choices people have, to lead lives that they value, and improving the human condition so that people have the chance to lead full lives. There are six basic pillars of human development: Equity is the idea of fairness for every person, between men and women; we each have the right to an education and health care. Sustainability is the view that we all have the right to earn a living that can sustain our lives and have access to a more even distribution of goods. Productivity states the full participation of people in the process of income generation. This also means that the government needs more efficient social programs for its people. Empowerment is the freedom of the people to influence development and decisions that affect their lives. Cooperation stipulates participation and belonging to communities and groups as a means of mutual enrichment and a source of social meaning. Security offers people development opportunities freely and safely with confidence that they will not disappear suddenly in the future. So, considering this definition we can see what human development in its full glory achieves is the perfect Utopia. If all these six basic pillars are achieved, we do come very close to the end itself. Now, the beauty of this lies in the fact that the means to achieving this, are cyclic and inter-dependent in nature causing a positive cycle of development. However, as we have defined human development as above, it is clear that it really is the end of achieving this well being of humanity in general. I wouldn't say that this is ultimate end of humanity, but that enters the realms of religion and metaphysics. But on strictly economic and political grounds I would say that it is definitely the end we are striving to achieve. Also to quote Immanuel Kant "Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end, but always at the same time as an end.” —http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immanuel_Kant, Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals References : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_development_(humanity)