Categoría: Artículos varios autores

After a period of retreat, critical approaches to development are back in Latinamerica. These include some old components, many of them originated in the region (like some elements of dependency theory), with new issues (like those related to the environmental crisis), and incorporating perspectives from indigenous knowledges. Under this process emerges the current idea of Buen Vivir, a good life that is not a new instrumental development alternative, but an alternative to the whole western idea of development. The different approaches to Buen Vivir are described, including its introduction in the new constitutions ofBoliviaandEcuador, and also the key current debates. Some perspectives are rooted in indigenous knowledges, while others are represented in marginal and critical perspectives within Modernity. Buen Vivir is plural and multidimensional concept, still under elaboration. Nevertheless, these different approaches shared a common political platform, based on features like the rejection of classical developmentalism, a distinct ethics (e.g. intrinsic values in Nature), a decolonial attitude, and the pursuit of alternatives to development. These components are described and analyzed.