The Applied-Ethical Basis of International Development and the Development Ethics Alternative

In Chapter 6, the applied-ethical incorporation of international development is addressed. Applied ethics reflects the meta-ethical postures and normative-ethical evaluation of international development. Because of the individualistic nature of applied ethics, neoclassical economists frequently approach it in development (local, national, and international) as a form of business ethics. The chapter also examines the Washington Consensus framework in Latin America and internationally as an applied-ethical example of the dominant international development institutions’ policies in the developing world. Finally, the chapter reveals the main theoretical and policy elements of neoclassical economics and development ethics regarding international development.