Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, was deeply influenced by a vision of progress and modernity based on scientific reasoning, secular values, and humanist principles. His understanding of scientific humanism played a pivotal role in shaping India’s post-independence political and social landscape. Nehru viewed scientific humanism as a framework for both individual and collective progress,…
Tag: political-theory
M.K. Gandhi’s Views on Swaraj, Sarvodaya, and Swadeshi
Mahatma Gandhi’s political and philosophical ideas were instrumental in shaping India’s freedom movement and its ethical foundations. Among his central concepts were Swaraj (self-rule), Sarvodaya (welfare of all), and Swadeshi (self-sufficiency and indigenous production). These were not isolated ideals but deeply interconnected, forming the moral and strategic framework of his vision for India’s independence and…
Critically Evaluate E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker’s Contribution to the Dravidian Movement
E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, popularly known as Periyar, was a prominent social reformer, politician, and ideologue in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. His contributions to the Dravidian movement and the larger social reform landscape of India were profound and continue to shape the region’s political and social discourse today. Periyar was a vocal critic of…
Examine M.A. Jinnah’s Role in the Development of Muslim Nationalism
Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876–1948), often referred to as the “Father of the Nation” in Pakistan, is one of the most pivotal figures in the history of South Asia. His role in the development of Muslim nationalism in India and the subsequent creation of Pakistan is of immense historical significance. Jinnah’s political career and ideological evolution…
Hindu Nationalism of V.D. Savarkar
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883–1966) is a highly influential figure in the history of Indian nationalism, particularly associated with the development of Hindu nationalism. His ideas and writings, especially in his work Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? (1923), were critical in shaping the ideological foundations of the Hindu nationalist movement. Savarkar’s concept of Hindu nationalism, which…
The Evil Effects of British Rule According to Aurobindo
Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950), one of India’s foremost philosophers, poets, and nationalists, was deeply critical of British colonial rule in India. Aurobindo’s views on British rule evolved over time, from being an active participant in the early stages of the Indian independence movement to adopting a more philosophical and spiritual perspective on the colonial experience. His…
Evaluate Plato’s theory of justice
Plato, one of the most prominent philosophers of Ancient Greece, developed a profound and intricate theory of justice, which he presents in his work The Republic. Plato’s understanding of justice is both a political and moral concept, deeply embedded in his overall philosophy of the ideal state and the nature of the soul. Justice, for…
Marx’s theory of alienation
Karl Marx (1818–1883), one of the most influential figures in political theory and sociology, developed the concept of alienation to describe the conditions of workers under capitalism. Marx’s theory of alienation is central to his critique of the capitalist system and is a cornerstone of his materialist understanding of history and society. Alienation, in Marxist…
J. S. Mill’s justification for Individual Liberty
John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) was one of the most influential thinkers in the development of liberal political philosophy, particularly for his strong defense of individual liberty. In his works such as On Liberty (1859) and Utilitarianism (1863), Mill laid out a compelling argument for the protection of individual freedoms against both state interference and social…
Tocqueville’s views on democracy, revolution, and the modern state
Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–1859), a French political thinker and historian, is best known for his seminal work Democracy in America (1835-1840), in which he analyzes the impact of democracy on American society and politics. Tocqueville’s views on democracy, revolution, and the modern state are deeply intertwined with his observations of the evolving political landscape of…
Why is Immanuel Kant’s political philosophy considered international in character?
Immanuel Kant (1724–1804), the renowned German philosopher, is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in modern philosophy, particularly for his contributions to epistemology, ethics, and political theory. While Kant is perhaps best known for his work in metaphysics and ethics, his political philosophy is significant for its emphasis on international relations and…
Edmund Burke’s criticism of the French Revolution
Edmund Burke, an Irish statesman, philosopher, and political theorist, is widely regarded as one of the most prominent critics of the French Revolution. His famous work, Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790), presents a scathing critique of the revolution and its principles. Burke’s criticism centers on his belief in the dangers of radical change,…