Urban & Rural Governance

(Assignment 1)

Shubhangi Pandagre
201109048
 INDIAN
PHILOSOPHER
PANDIT DEENDAYAL UPADHYAY
Instead of capitalism or socialism – which has its own inherent shortcomings – Deen Dayal Upadhyay Ji stressed the need for adopting
Swadeshi economic policies based on our cultural, civilizational, nationalist values and ethos to make India strong, vibrant and self-reliant.
That is called Ekatma Manavavad. It is neither capitalism nor socialism. It is suited to the Indian model of economy. He felt the need for a
value driven system for India, which takes along all.
His concept of Bharatiyata, Dharma, Rama Rajya and Antyodaya will ever be relevant to make Bharat Vishwa Guru. His vision of ‘Education
for All’ and ‘Har Hath Ko Kam, Har Khet Ko Paani’ showed us the path to be self-reliant in a democratic economic set up. Deen Dayal
Upadhyay Ji was opposed to a system which reduces opportunity for employment and batted for a system, which is free from social
inequality and where capital and power are decentralized.
• Integral Humanism: Integral Humanism is the overarching theory that guides Upadhyaya's governance philosophy. It emphasizes the
integral relationship between the individual and the collective, seeking a balanced approach that respects individual rights and
aspirations while also addressing the common good and societal harmony.
• Decentralization and Swadeshi Economics: Upadhyaya's theory of decentralization suggests that governance should empower local
communities and promote self-sufficiency. He believed that a Swadeshi economic approach, valuing indigenous industries and crafts,
would lead to balanced economic growth.
• Cultural Nationalism: The theory of Cultural Nationalism emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting India's cultural heritage
and values in governance. Upadhyaya believed that governance should reflect and protect the cultural ethos of the nation.
• Self-Reliance and Self-Responsibility: Upadhyaya's governance philosophy promotes self-reliance at both the individual and community
levels. This theory encourages individuals and communities to take responsibility for their own well-being while also contributing to the well-
being of society.
• Dharma (Ethical Principles): Upadhyaya's theory of Dharma underscores the importance of ethical and moral principles in governance.
He believed that governance should be guided by the principles of righteousness, justice, and duty, ensuring that decisions are made in
the best interest of all individuals.
• Justice and Inequality: Sen's theories on justice and inequality have implications for governance policies that aim to reduce disparities
and promote social justice. His work underscores the importance of addressing inequalities in health, education, income, and more.

https://haryanarajbhavan.gov.in/publication/pandit-deendayal-upadhyay-a-man-of-simple-
living-high-thinking-strong-determination/
https://mgcub.ac.in/pdf/material/20200419110331259f023b8a.pdf
SARVEPALLI RADHAKRISHNAN
Dr. Radhakrishnan's philosophy is idealism. Idealism means that life has a purpose, and ideals and values are the dynamic forces that
give direction to life and help it to achieve its goal. The function of Philosophy is to order life and guide action.
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan philosophy was a way of understanding life and his study of Indian philosophy served as a cultural therapy.
By interpreting Indian thought in western terms and showing that it was imbued with reason and logic he was able to give Indians a
new sense of esteem, who were overcome by inferiority complex by imperial forces. But he also made clear to them that their long
and rich tradition had been arrested and required further evolution and he exhorted Indians to cast off much that was corrupt and
abhorrent.
• Global Perspective: Radhakrishnan's thoughts on governance often extended to a global context. He believed in the importance
of international cooperation, peace, and mutual understanding among nations.
• Ethical Governance: Radhakrishnan emphasized the importance of ethical conduct in governance. He believed that leaders
should be guided by moral principles and make decisions that are just, honest, and in the best interest of society.
• Inclusive Governance: Radhakrishnan advocated for governance that includes and respects the diverse cultural, religious, and
social identities within a nation. He believed in fostering a sense of unity without suppressing individual differences.
• Justice and Fairness: Radhakrishnan's governance philosophy is founded on principles of justice and fairness. He believed that
policies and decisions should promote social equity, reduce inequalities, and ensure that every citizen has equal access to
opportunities.
• Educated Citizenship: Radhakrishnan stressed the importance of education for both leaders and citizens. He believed that an
educated and informed citizenry is essential for effective governance and democratic participation.
• Cultural Pluralism: Radhakrishnan was a proponent of India's cultural diversity and pluralism. His views on governance reflected the
idea that a diverse nation like India should value and respect various cultural, religious, and linguistic identities while maintaining
national unity.

https://www.sarvepalli.com/editorial-column/drsarvepalliradhakrishnan-thephilosopherpresident
https://www.raijmr.com/ijrhs/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IJRHS_2022_vol10_issue_11_06.pdf
AMARTYA SEN
Sen's philosophy of governance is based on the principles of equity, efficiency, and participation. He believed that the government should
play a role in ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunities, that the economy is efficient, and that citizens have a say in how they are
governed.
Sen's theories on governance were influenced by his work on welfare economics. He believed that the government should be concerned
with the well-being of all citizens, not just the wealthy or powerful. He also believed that the government should use its resources to promote
equity and reduce poverty.
• Capability Approach: Sen's capability approach focuses on assessing individual well-being based on people's capabilities to function
effectively in various aspects of life. In a governance context, this approach suggests that policies should aim to enhance people's
capabilities and freedoms, ensuring that they have the opportunities to lead valuable lives.
• Development as Freedom: Sen's concept of development emphasizes that true development is the expansion of people's freedoms and
capabilities. This perspective suggests that governance should prioritize the removal of barriers and inequalities that limit people's
choices and opportunities.
• Human Development Index (HDI): Sen's collaboration with Mahbub ul Haq led to the creation of the Human Development Index, which
measures a country's development based on factors beyond economic growth, such as health and education. This index has
influenced governance policies by highlighting the multidimensional nature of development.
• Participatory Development: Sen's work emphasizes the importance of participatory development, where people are actively involved in
decision-making processes that affect their lives. This aligns with principles of democratic governance and citizen engagement.
• Public Reasoning: Sen emphasizes the importance of public reasoning and open dialogue in governance. He argues that a democratic
society should encourage informed public debate to arrive at just and well-considered policies.

https://www.cmiuniversal.com/en/amartya-sens-capability-theory-approach/
https://iep.utm.edu/sen-cap/
 NON-INDIAN
PHILOSOPHER
JOHN RAWLS
John Rawls was an American philosopher who is considered one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. His work on justice,
political philosophy, and social contract theory has had a profound impact on the way we think about governance.
Theory of Justice as Fairness: Rawls' most famous theory is the "Theory of Justice as Fairness." He proposed that in a just society, individuals
would agree on principles of justice under conditions of fairness and impartiality, without knowing their own social position or personal
circumstances. This theory emphasizes fairness in the distribution of social goods, including economic resources, opportunities, and rights
• Theory of Justice as Fairness: Rawls' most famous theory is the "Theory of Justice as Fairness." He proposed that in a just society, individuals
would agree on principles of justice under conditions of fairness and impartiality, without knowing their own social position or personal
circumstances. This theory emphasizes fairness in the distribution of social goods, including economic resources, opportunities, and rights.
• Resolving Tensions and Critiques: Justice as fairness addresses tensions between freedom and equality, as raised by socialist and
conservative critiques of liberal democracy and the welfare state. Rawls's theory aims to reconcile these tensions and provide a
coherent foundation for societal organization.
• Law of Peoples and International Relations: Rawls extends his theory to international relations through the concept of the "law of
peoples.“ He assumes that establishing a stable and tolerable world state would be challenging, as it could lead to either global
despotism or continuous conflicts for political independence. The law of peoples focuses on guiding a liberal society's interactions with
other societies, whether they are liberal or non-liberal.
• Priority of Liberty: Rawls' theory gives priority to individual liberties, ensuring that no inequality can be justified if it undermines basic
liberties for all individuals.
• Fair Equality of Opportunity: Rawls' theory emphasizes the importance of providing fair equality of opportunity. This principle aims to
ensure that everyone has a reasonable chance to achieve their life goals regardless of their social background.
• Overlapping Consensus: Rawls introduced the concept of an "overlapping consensus" where individuals from diverse moral, religious,
and philosophical backgrounds can agree on a common set of principles that promote justice and stability in society.

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/rawls/#LawPeoLibForPol
CHARLES TAYLOR
Charles Taylor is a Canadian philosopher who is known for his work on multiculturalism, the politics of recognition, and the nature of the self.
His work has had a profound impact on the way we think about governance, and he is considered one of the most influential thinkers in the
field.
Taylor's theories on governance were influenced by his work on multiculturalism. He believes that the government should recognize and
respect the diversity of cultures and identities in society. He also believes that the government should play a role in mediating conflicts
between different groups and in promoting mutual understanding.
• Multiculturalism: Taylor has written extensively on multiculturalism, exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by cultural
diversity in modern societies. His work emphasizes the need for inclusive governance structures that accommodate various cultural
identities and respect cultural rights.
• Recognition: Taylor's theory of recognition highlights the importance of acknowledging individuals and their cultural identities within
society. His ideas suggest that governance should strive to create conditions where individuals and groups feel valued and recognized
for their unique contributions.
• Social Identity: Taylor's exploration of social identity emphasizes the influence of cultural, linguistic, and historical factors on individual
and collective identities. In governance, his ideas prompt considerations of how policies can address identity-related concerns and
ensure representation.
• Cross-Cultural Understanding: Taylor's ideas encourage efforts to bridge gaps in understanding between different cultural groups. In
governance, this involves fostering intercultural dialogue and creating platforms for cross-cultural exchange.
• Citizenship and Belonging: Taylor's work on citizenship highlights the importance of belonging and inclusion for individuals in society. In
governance, this concept guides discussions on creating an environment where all citizens feel valued and engaged.

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/multiculturalism/#JusForMul
NANCY FRASER
Nancy Fraser is an American philosopher who is known for her work on critical theory, feminism, and social justice. Her work has had a
profound impact on the way we think about governance, and she is considered one of the most influential thinkers in the field.
Fraser's philosophy of governance is based on the principles of redistribution, recognition, and representation. She believes that the
government should play a role in redistributing resources, recognizing and respecting diversity, and ensuring that all citizens have a voice in
decision-making.
• Feminist Ethics and Care: Fraser's exploration of feminist ethics and the ethics of care encourages governance that considers the well-
being and needs of all individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized.
• Intersectionality: Fraser's work touches on the concept of intersectionality, which acknowledges the complex ways in which multiple
social identities and inequalities intersect. In governance, this concept encourages policies that address the multifaceted nature of
inequalities.
• Recognition and Redistribution: Fraser's theory of "recognition" and "redistribution" highlights the dual dimensions of justice. In
governance, this concept prompts discussions about policies that not only address economic inequalities but also recognize and
validate the identities and experiences of different groups.
• Critical Theory: Fraser's engagement with critical theory prompts governance discussions that critically examine power structures,
challenge dominant narratives, and work toward a more just and equitable society.
• Global Justice: Fraser has engaged in discussions about global justice and the challenges of addressing inequalities on a global scale.
Her ideas prompt reflections on how governance can tackle transnational issues and promote equity at a global level.

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/feminism-political/#LibFem
https://iep.utm.edu/recog_sp/#SH3c
THANK YOU