The Argumentative Indian (Amartya Sen) — Flashcards

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The central idea is that India has a rich argumentative tradition. Public debate, reasoning, and disagreement are not weaknesses; they are strengths that have shaped Indian culture, politics, and demo…

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It means a long habit of public discussion, debate, and reasoning across different sections of society. This tradition includes intellectual, moral, political, and social argument, and it has helped I…

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Argument is important because it shapes social life, culture, politics, and democracy. It helps people question accepted views, discuss public issues, and make democratic life stronger.

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'Faring forward' means doing one’s duty and moving ahead regardless of consequences. In the essay, this is linked to Krishna’s position. 'Faring well' means thinking about consequences and overall hum…

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The line is used to highlight the contrast between doing duty blindly and thinking about human welfare. Sen uses it to separate Krishna’s idea of duty from his own emphasis on considering consequences…

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Arjuna asks, 'How can good come from killing so many people? And why should I seek victory, kingdom or happiness for my own side?' These questions focus on results and moral consequences, not only dut…

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Krishna represents the position of 'faring forward'. He advises Arjuna to do his duty as a warrior fighting for a just cause, regardless of personal doubts about consequences.

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Arjuna represents the view of 'faring well'. He raises moral doubts about war and asks whether victory is worth the suffering and killing it causes.