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Anecdotes, Situations, Histories — Varieties and Uses of Cases in Thinking about Ethics and Development Practice

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  • Des Gasper

Abstract

Referring to a wide variety of case studies, anecdotes and abstracted choice situations, this article considers the range and roles of different types of cases presented in trying to understand tensions, conflicts and choices in development. Since various purposes are legitimate and complementary (including sensitization, theorization, and informing decision‐making) so too are various styles and uses of cases: some real and some hypothetical, some thick (including a lot) and some thin (omitting a lot). While thick description can provide instructive and even inspiring exemplars, it is not invariably helpful in moral argument. The article synthesizes these ideas into a picture of distinct stages in work in ethics and practical reasoning.

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  • Des Gasper, 2000. "Anecdotes, Situations, Histories — Varieties and Uses of Cases in Thinking about Ethics and Development Practice," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 31(5), pages 1055-1083, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devchg:v:31:y:2000:i:5:p:1055-1083
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-7660.00189
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    Cited by:

    1. Des Gasper, 2000. "Development as freedom: taking economics beyond commodities-the cautious boldness of Amartya Sen," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 12(7), pages 989-1001.
    2. Des Gasper, 2004. "Human Well-being: Concepts and Conceptualizations," WIDER Working Paper Series DP2004-06, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).

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