From Progress to Happiness: Measurements for Latin America

Abstract This paper is based on a transformed concept of development: from a concept of development that is single-dimensional, concrete, and mainly quantitative, into one that is multidimensional. We focus on the components of development, the measurement of which includes qualitative observations of its effect on final beneficiaries. Because a useful understanding of development policies requires an evaluation of all the different metrics that emerge, we evaluate the development indices of 19 Latin American countries. The most recent theoretical perspectives link development to both liberal philosophy - focusing on the many dimensions of human society and the fundamental rights of the individual - and utilitarianism - emphasizing an evaluation of the success of various development policies and the usefulness of their outcomes.