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Paper short abstract:

I begin by addressing the ends and means of moral progress. Drawing on recent moral progress literature, I clarify the nature of moral progress: it is not only living better, with greater adherence to the demands of morality; it also involves improvement in moral thinking.

Paper long abstract:

The term “Human dignity” has evolved over the years recognizing dignity as something inherent to everyone. How do we understand the ‘principle of equal dignity’ in pluralist society in India? How to determine moral exclusivity and inclusivity in the context of capabilities commitment and moral progress? Victor Kumar, in his recent book develops Moral progress theory that is designed to guide ethical thought when conditions are less than ideal. More specifically, moral progress theory seeks to identify the cultural evolutionary mechanisms that have driven reliable and durable moral progress in the recent past and, therefore, are likely to do so in the near future as well. The Progress in wellbeing is not moral progress. Moral progress must be rational and not irrational so that it has a potential to become moral theory.

Following Martha Nussbaum work on Capability Approach and her book on education, the paper tries to answer the above questions investigating the recent Indian politico- economic and cultural developments related to moral progress and improvement in general well-being and quality of life. The concept of human being is not just limited to animality, biological and rational aspect but also includes normative, evaluative, social and spiritual. Granting that the notion of good life is quite complex and fluid, the search for good life is the most important aspect to be looked into for human development.