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Economic Development as a Concept: Fissiparity Rather than Teleology? Introduction

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  • Alice Nicole Sindzingre

    (ACT - Analyse des Crises et Transitions - LABEX ICCA - UP13 - Université Paris 13 - Université Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris 3 - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UPCité - Université Paris Cité - Université Sorbonne Paris Nord - Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, LAM - Les Afriques dans le monde - IEP Bordeaux - Sciences Po Bordeaux - Institut d'études politiques de Bordeaux - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - Institut d'Études Politiques [IEP] - Bordeaux - UBM - Université Bordeaux Montaigne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

The word 'development' inherently conveys teleological connotations -a progression from an 'unachieved' state of affairs towards a desirable one ('being developed'). It is argued that, paradoxically, this concept, its meanings (its epistemology), and its uses (in empirical reality) do not display an evolutionary path where phenomena converge towards a dynamic ('development'), or where its successive paradigms exhibit path-dependency (an improved adequation to reality). Instead, the concept is subject to fissiparity and dilution as it is used by numerous disciplines, and as it has been shaped more by 'external' geopolitical events than by reflections on its epistemological validity, and by institutions that do not prioritise the advancement of knowledge. Furthermore, the object of economic 'development' has dissolved, with groups of countries fluctuating over time. the concept hence exhibits fissiparous dynamics more than teleological connotations and is not driven by the quest for an improved fit of its meanings to reality.

Suggested Citation

  • Alice Nicole Sindzingre, 2025. "Economic Development as a Concept: Fissiparity Rather than Teleology? Introduction," Post-Print hal-05571516, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05571516
    DOI: 10.1080/07360932.2025.2595258
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05571516v1
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