A Theory of Human Need

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Rejecting relativist approaches, this book argues that physical health and individual autonomy are the necessary preconditions for participation in any society. The authors not only argue that optimal satisfaction of these basic human needs is a fundamental right of all our planet's citizens, but also that not meeting these needs can, and will, lead to moral and political disablement.Integrating theory and practice, the book presents a system for cross-cultural needs measurement, as well as a set of requirements for ameliorating human impoverishment. It then describes an innovative 'dual strategy' which recognizes the economic importance of both market forces and central planning, and the political importance of both state intervention and a flourishing democracy.