Abstract

This paper explores the fundamental theses of the capabilities approach and differentiates it from notions of development that are more focused on the generation of wealth and growth. The paper emphasizes the importance of action in the development of life projects and describes the importance of emancipation in exercising freedoms. It then describes the education challenges from the perspective of the capabilities approach. It situates the importance of this approach in the Latin American context, where freedom is closely linked to the pursuit of social justice. Finally, it describes the different areas of application of the capabilities approach in education and points out the limitations of formal education in the contemporary world.