Reflexive Moral
Dr. Ambedkar was influenced by John Dewey's "A Theory of Ethics," which emphasizes moral laws as principles guiding action and the importance of weighing consequences.
Ambedkar, drawing from Deweyan pragmatism, argued that the caste system inhibits individual agency and freedom.
Caste denies individuals the ability to make choices based on reflexive morality, crushing them under customary laws.
Ambedkar stressed that the caste system removes individuality in thought and action.
Reconstructive Rhetorical
Ambedkar used rhetoric (persuasive communication) inspired by Deweyan pragmatism to challenge and reconstruct a casteist and gender-biased society.
He selectively employed rhetoric in his writings, speeches, and actions, such as in the Battle of Bhima Koregaon and his lecture "Ranade, Gandhi and Jinnah."
He transformed the historical battle into a symbol of justice and self-worth for the untouchables.
He used this to create a new narrative for the untouchables.
"Ranade, Gandhi and Jinnah": He used democratic deliberation and a dialectical approach, referencing various thinkers, to achieve his desired ends.
Navayana Pragmatist Ambedkar
Ambedkar pragmatically reconstructed Buddha, shifting away from theological interpretations.
His work "The Buddha and His Dhamma" presented a pragmatic interpretation of Buddha's life and teachings, focusing on real-world issues like conflict resolution.
He focused on the reasons why Siddhartha Gautama left his princely abode.
He used pragmatism to develop Navayana Buddhism, aiming to dismantle structural inequalities based on gender, caste, religion, and class.
While Dewey's pragmatism was an influence, Ambedkar's thought was also shaped by Buddha, Kabir, Phule, and other thinkers.
He was also influenced by the scholars of his time, and the political and economical issues of the day.
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