Synopsis In this original and incisive monograph, the author begins by identifying a common characteristic of virtually all the contemporary ethical approaches to social arrangement. The basic issue that divides the different approaches is not 'whether equality' but 'equality of what'? The claims of equality in social arrangements are analyzed by the author on the pervasive diversity of human beings, which makes equality in one sphere conflict substantially with equality in another. Amartya Sen extensively explores one specific way of answering the question. He concentrates on the capability of different persons to achieve valuable functioning's. By investing inequalities related to such categories as class, gender, and communities, he demonstrates the far-reaching significance of these conceptual differences, and the force of the proposed approach. Economic philosophers will be glad to see Sen's ideas summarized and interwoven .. He is certainly a master of his craft. - TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT. He's done really high-powered, abstract, theoretical work, but also, at the same time, really useful practical work- Lord Eatwell, Master QUEENS COLLEGE,CAMBRIDGE.