The Evolution of Pragmatism in India: Ambedkar, Dewey, and the Rhetoric of Reconstruction

In "The Evolution of Pragmatism in India: Ambedkar, Dewey, and the Rhetoric of Reconstruction," Scott R. Stroud presents a profound exploration of the ideological journey of Bhimrao Ambedkar, the visionary behind India's constitution. This narrative delves into Ambedkar's academic tenure at Columbia University under John Dewey from 1913 to 1916, and tracks his evolution as he adapted Dewey’s principles of pragmatism to challenge and reconstruct the social narratives around caste, education, and religion in India. Stroud meticulously illustrates how Ambedkar, a staunch advocate for education equity, racial justice, and religious freedom, transformed Dewey’s ideas into a unique framework that not only contested oppressive systems but also offered a reconstructed vision of Buddhism in the 1950s India. This book, published on March 17, 2023, is an essential read for adult education groups seeking to understand the interplay between philosophy and the pragmatic fight for social justice. It invites readers to reflect on how historical philosophies can be re-envisioned to address contemporary issues.