The story of how the Indian reformer Bhimrao Ambedkar reimagined John Dewey-s pragmatism. -In The Evolution of Pragmatism in India, Scott R. Stroud delivers a comprehensive exploration of the influence of John Dewey-s pragmatism on Bhimrao Ambedkar, architect of the Republic of India-s constitution. Stroud traces Ambedkar-s development in Dewey-s Columbia University classes in 1913-1916 through his final years in 1950s India when he rewrote the story of Buddhism. Stroud examines pragmatism-s influence not only on the philosophical ideas underpinning Ambedkar-s fight against caste oppression but also how his persuasive techniques drew on pragmatism-s commitment to reconstruction and meliorism. At the same time, Stroud is careful to point out the ways that Ambedkar pushed back against Dewey-s paradigm and developed his own approach to challenges in India. The result is a nuanced study of one of the most important figures in Indian history.
