This article analyzes the content and scope of the concept of development and its recognition as human right, reviewing thoroughly the main criticisms to its implementation based on economistic and anthropocentric criteria from a Western perspective, which have driven the (re) emergence of other theories that seek to set themselves up as alternatives to development. Considering the existence of different positions, us ing mainly dogmatic and deductive-inductive methods, we analyze the foundations and contents of the Buen Vivir and its relation with other theories, in order to identify the contributions that these ideas can make when designing and articulating social and public policies in this area.