Argumentative Indian [Hardcover]

Amartya Sen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2, 2005

India is a large and 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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Amartya Sen is Lamont University Professor at Harvard. He won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1998 and was Master of Trinity College, Cambridge 1998-2004. His most recent books are Development as Freedom and Rationality as Freedom. His books have been translated into thirty languages.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Allen Lane (June 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0713996870
• ISBN-13: 978-0713996876
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,447,327 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Amartya Sen is Lamont University Professor, Professor of Philosophy and Professor of Economics, at Harvard University. He won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1998 and was Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, 1998-2004. His many books include Development as Freedom, Rationality and Freedom, The Argumentative Indian and Identity and Violence.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Argumentative Indian, September 21, 2005

By 

Basab K. Mookerjee (Buffalo,NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Argumentative Indian (Hardcover)

This is an important collection of essays by Dr.Amartya Sen for any reader interested in the full range of philosophic viewpoints in India"s cultural heritage. Often portrayed as a land of uncritical religiosity, Dr.Sen brings out India's long tradition of skepticism,doubt and critical reasoning including a considerable body of non-theistic literature. He argues that this rational argumentative tradition has been crucial in the development of India's secular polity and it's application will be essential in the ultimate success of her democratic framework and future social harmony. The book is beautifully written and each essay is a joy to read.A wide range of India's literary,philosophic,religious,scientific and mathematical contributions is comprehensively covered. It should be essential reading for anyone seriously interested in contemporary India and her heritage.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Impressive, Engaging, Deeply satisfying, Brilliant writing..., December 5, 2005

By 

Venu (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Argumentative Indian (Hardcover)

[I have just finished the first chapter of this book... can't wait to read the rest in the coming days]
This is my first reading of Amartya Sen's writings. After reading an excerpt of the "Argumentative Indian" recently, I ordered this book by this eminent Nobel Laureate.

The author doesn't waste time. Right off the bat, from the very first page in the first chapter, his book is filled with timely anecdotal commentary (with appropriate references) and precise discussion about the topic he is writing about.

His approach to Indian culture and history is very pragmatic and well thought out. His book clearly is not bound by any religious bias (... is sprinkled with examples of ancient and medieval Indian historical quotes/events of all religious contexts - from Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism...) The influence of Hinduism (and Buddhism) on Indian ethos and identity is of course not minimized.

Anecdotal quotes (... Jain philosophers response to Alexander's query) that are hard to find for the average reader and historical facts (that are not muddled by the popular historical accounts) are all presented here - and with riveting clarity and multiple references to scholarly works.

Reading through the book, one cannot but see how the profound philosophy and thoughts of two thousand years ago could be applied to the problems of today.

Many popular misconceptions of India will be dispelled by this book. For the well read about India, this is a treasure trove of information that one can refer to with satisfaction. Anyone with a desire to understand the Indian (be it in the US, Suriname or India) should read the book. In fact, every corporate head who is planning to open an office in India should read this book.

By the author's own admission, writing about India is a vast topic that is impossible to approach from any one perspective. My four star rating is simply an indication that no work is perfect and that there is always room for improvement. This book, IMHO, is far better than many of the 5-star rated books here on Amazon.

Excellent book and I highly recommend it. venu_ravi at yahoo dot com

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rediscovering India, November 23, 2005

By 

V. Srinivasan "Cheenu Srinivasan" (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Argumentative Indian (Hardcover)

A wonderful synthesis of the ancient with the modern with beautifully interwoven strands of Indian philosophy, history, politics, people and economics through the passage of time. This book is a product of a brilliant and wide ranging mind. Amartya Sen's book would help Indians rediscover missing links of their Indianness while foreigners learn to understand the fabric that is India.