Amartya Sen is a distinguished Indian economist whose work delves into critical societal issues, earning him global recognition. He is particularly renowned for his groundbreaking research on the causes of famine, which led to the development of practical strategies for food security. Sen's intellectual contributions primarily focus on welfare economics and the challenges faced by the most disadvantaged members of society. His profound insights bridge economics and philosophy, offering a unique perspective on social justice and human development.
Exploring the intricate relationship between rationality and freedom, this first volume by esteemed economist and philosopher Amartya Sen delves into these complex concepts within philosophy and social sciences. Sen offers clarity and insight into how these ideas influence justice, setting the stage for a deeper understanding in the subsequent volume. Through his analysis, he challenges conventional notions and encourages readers to rethink the significance of rationality in the pursuit of freedom.
Where is 'home'? For Amartya Sen, home encompasses various places: Dhaka in modern Bangladesh, Santiniketan where he was raised by his grandparents, Calcutta where he studied economics and engaged in student movements, and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he arrived at nineteen. He vividly recreates the atmosphere of each location. Central to his development was the intellectually stimulating school in Santiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, who bestowed upon him the name Amartya. Engaging conversations in the renowned Coffee House on College Street in Calcutta further shaped his thinking. As an undergraduate at Cambridge, he interacted with many leading intellectuals of the time. This narrative intertwines ideas—particularly those of Marx, Keynes, and Arrow—with personal experiences. In a memorable chapter, Sen reflects on 'the rivers of Bengal' that he traveled with his parents between Dhaka and their ancestral villages. The book explores Bengal's rich culture and the political tensions of Hindu-Muslim relations, alongside Sen's firsthand experience of the devastating 1943 Bengal famine. The imprisonment of some family members for opposing British rule highlights the complex relationship between Britain and India, another central theme. Remarkably, forty-five years after his arrival at Trinity, Sen became its Master.
Amartya Sen, a Nobel laureate and esteemed global intellectual, is renowned for his influential contributions to economics, particularly regarding poverty and famine, shaped by his experiences in West Bengal, India. His diverse life journey includes significant ties to Dhaka, Kolkata, and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he interacted with prominent thinkers of his time. This rich background informs his perspectives and insights, making him a pivotal figure in understanding economic challenges worldwide.
With his masterly prose, ease of erudition and ironic humour, Sen is one of
the few great world intellectuals on whom we may rely to make sense out of our
existential confusion Nadime Gordimer
In this deft analysis, Amartya Sen argues that the dictum all men are created equal serves largely to deflect attention from the fact that we differ in age, gender, talents, physical abilities as well as in material advantages and social background. He argues for concentrating on higher and more basic values: individual capabilities and freedom to achieve objectives.
Presents an analysis of what justice is, the transcendental theory of justice and its drawbacks, and a persuasive argument for a comparative perspective on justice that can guide us in the choice between alternatives
India is a very diverse country with many distinct pursuits, vastly different convictions, widely divergent customs, and a veritable feast of viewpoints. The Argumentative Indian brings together an illuminating selection of writings from Nobel prize-winning economist Amartya Sen that outline the need to understand contemporary India in the light of its long argumentative tradition. The understanding and use of this rich argumentative tradition are critically important, Sen argues, for the success of India�s democracy, the defence of its secular politics, the removal of inequalities related to class, caste, gender and community, and the pursuit of sub-continental peace.
Exploring India's intellectual and political heritage, this collection of sixteen essays by Amartya Sen highlights the significance of the country's argumentative tradition for its democracy and secularism. The work offers a thorough examination of Indian history and culture, addressing contentious issues such as Hindu traditions, national identity, social and economic inequalities, and India's role on the global stage. Sen provides a nuanced analysis that encourages reflection on the complexities of contemporary Indian society.
