Global Development, Ethics, and Epistemic Injustice: Rethinking Theory and Practice presents a critical analysis of global development from a perspective that is both theoretical and practical, addressing both ethical and epistemic issues. Offering a unique perspective from having worked as a practitioner in global development for several years, then left the practice to ponder the deep ethical issues that shadow global development, Anna Malavisi argues that one of the problems in global development today is the absence of an ethical analysis; ethics in development today is overshadowed by economic and political interests, as well as national self-interest. The book describes how Chagas diseases, as a Neglected Tropical Disease, continues to plague vulnerable populations in poorer countries such as Bolivia due to a very limited way in how it has been conceived, understood, and addressed. Malavisi offers a strong ethical approach, comprising a feminist methodology, a social ethical praxis, political responsibility, epistemic justice, and deep-green theory. A strong ethical approach is necessary to address Chagas Disease as well as other development problems in a more effective way.
Anna Malavisi is assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy and Humanistic Studies at Western Connecticut State University.
Chapter One: An Interpretation of Global Development Chapter Two: Development and Its Discontents Chapter Three: Neglected Tropical Diseases as a Consequence of the Failings of Development Chapter Four: The Need for Ethical Development Chapter Five: Epistemic Challenges in Global Development Chapter Six: The Climate Crisis and Global Development Chapter Seven: The Toolbox Dialogue Initiative and Development Practice Conclusion and Rethinking the Theory and Practice of Global Development
Anna Malavisi has made a strong case for what she calls "strong development ethics." The case for it is strong because it addresses urgent (e.g., climate change) and neglected ("neglected tropical diseases") problems in development at the same time that it addresses the contested meaning of development. Malavisi begins on the ground in Bolivia where she worked in health care for over 15 years. Based on this experience, she has woven together a series of arguments that draw upon sophisticated philosophical analysis, unflinching social science research, and her own understanding of the dilemmas and traps that philosophers and practitioners have encountered. Anna Malavisi does not apply ideal principles to a non-ideal world. She recognizes the necessity of working alongside the communities who have suffered from development as it has been practiced from the top down. She is part of a tradition of theoretically sophisticated and politically responsible practitioners from Jane Addams to Denis Goulet and Paul Farmer who have worked to overcome the shock of underdevelopment and its structural and epistemic causes. -- Stephen L. Esquith, Michigan State University
