Summarized by – Nioshi

This talk looks at the need to reconstruct the dominant Indian philosophy and the significance of Ambedkar’s philosophy in doing the same.

• ‘Philosopher’ is a privileged term reserved for certain people. When Ambedkar is celebrated as a contributor to Indian philosophy, it produces discomfort and tension amongst many of the academic elites of the country. In a repulsive manner, they argue that he is not a philosopher, hence dismissing his thinking.
• However, if you read any of Ambedkar’s writings, it reveals that he has actively interrogated and redefined Indian philosophy while critiquing the existing dominant brahminical philosophy.
• Ambedkar critiques the dominant Indian philosophy for the following reasons: 
• It is brahminical in nature
• It is a philosophy without history
• It delinks ideas from their social meaning
• It doesn’t acknowledge change
• It doesn’t recognize differences amongst people. 

Hence, he revolts against such an undemocratic and inhuman philosophy and society. 

• Additionally, Ambedkar objects the Hindu social order, where freedom is not only denied, but brahminical philosophy is justified. The dominant Indian philosophy is based on an unequal society with social hierarchies in the name of the caste system and untouchability. By denying basic human rights, brahminical philosophy legitimizes slavery and negates human association.  
• Unlike the brahminical philosophy that works on the status quo; which is a system wherein few people enjoy privileges at the cost of mediating the lives, ideas, struggles, and worldviews a majority of people of the country, Ambedkar’s philosophy does not maintain or justify status quo. 
• To evaluate and critically understand Indian philosophy, reason and rationalism play an important role. Reason eliminates superstition that results in the removal of injustice. However, many times even reason fails to bring out justice. Ambedkar looks at the limitations of rationality. While acknowledging the importance of reason, he is also critical about its use in Indian philosophy. According to him, reason works as long as it does not come in the way of the vested interest of the elites. Once Brahmins are questioned with rationality, they become silent and refuse to extend reasoning to their everyday social life. This is due to the selfish interest of losing their privilege.
• As a victim of the caste system, Ambedkar’s philosophy makes links between caste, untouchability, and Hinduism. His philosophy goes beyond a basic understanding of the world, to critically evaluate belief systems and practices as well as work towards the emancipation of the people. Ambedkar’s idea of philosophy is a celebration of freedom, that not only ensures the self-assertion of self-respect but also protects human dignity and self-esteem. 
• Social isolation is the segregation, humiliation, and discrimination of certain people who are denied any protection, justice, and recognition. Isolation by its nature is anti-social, and an important aspect of Ambedkar’s philosophy is that ‘social is central’. ‘Social’ is where people participate, associate, communicate, and share space. Hence, according to him, philosophy should be based on social reality. Critiquing the brahminical philosophy, he says that Indian philosophy can not be based on isolation. Ambedkar reconstructs the Indian philosophy to overcome such isolation by invoking the feeling of sympathy, fellowship, and consideration.  
• Ambedkar’s philosophy aimed for a society where there is community, dignity, respect, and associated life. His approach is realistic, historical, rationalistic, and most importantly; ethical. To achieve a democratic society, he reconstructed the Indian philosophy, and the annihilation of caste is his ultimate underlying philosophy.