Human Development Index (HDI) and its family of indexes: an evolving critical review. Revista de Economia, v

Abstract: The human development index (HDI) is currently used for many different purposes, from a comparative index to a decision-making instrument for public policy decisions. It is also used as a ‘blaming and shaming ’ index in the media. For this reason, in this paper we delve into the foundations of the HDI, exploring to what extent it can be considered an alternative to the use of the gross national product (GNP) as the main measure of human development. Our focus is mainly on the HDI and its evolution and unsolved technical issues. Was the HDI successful as an alternative? Given that the established goal was to provide an alternative index to the unidimensional and income centred previous indicators, HDI represents indeed advancement, both interms of the characterisation of the multidimensional nature of development and in terms of its refined theoretical basis. On the other hand, arguments claiming the introduction of a completely new paradigm, showing a change from the concentration on means towards the promotion of human ends, are far from being settled. The claim that HDI is a capability measure, considered the most basic human capabilities, also remains elusive. Key-words: Human development; capability approach; human development index. Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH) e sua família de índices: uma revisão crítica em evolução Resumo: O índice de desenvolvimento humano (IDH) atualmente é utilizado para diversos fins- desde instrumento para fins comparativos, tomada de deci-sões até como instrumento para elaboração de políticas públicas. Pela mídia