This book explores the philosophical and in particular ethical issues concerning the
conceptualization design and implementation of poverty alleviation measures from the local to
the global level. It connects these topics with the ongoing debates on social and global
justice and asks what an ethical or normative philosophical perspective can add to the
economic political and other social science approaches that dominate the main debates on
poverty alleviation. Divided into four sections the volume examines four areas of concern: the
relation between human rights and poverty alleviation the connection between development and
poverty alleviation poverty within affluent countries and obligations of individuals in
regard to global poverty.An impressive collection of essays by an international group of
scholars on one of the most fundamental issues of our age. The authors consider crucial aspects
of poverty alleviation: the role of human rights the connection between development aid and
the alleviation of poverty how to think about poverty within affluent countries (particularly
in Europe) and individual versus collective obligations to act to reduce poverty. Judith
Lichtenberg Department of Philosophy Georgetown University This collection of essays is most
welcome addition to the burgeoning treatments of poverty and inequality. What is most novel
about this volume is its sustained and informed attention to the explicitly ethical aspects of
poverty and poverty alleviation. What are the ethical merits and demerits of income poverty
multidimensional-capability poverty and poverty as nonrecognition? How important is poverty
alleviation in comparison to environmental protection and cultural preservation? Who or what
should be agents responsible for reducing poverty? The editors concede that their volume is not
the last word on these matters. But these essays eschewing value neutrality and a retreat
into technical mastery challenge us to find fresh and reasonable answers to these urgent
questions. David A. Crocker School of Public Policy University of Maryland
