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VOL. 7, ISSUE 1 (2025)
Ambedkar’s epistemic critique of caste: A rationalist inquiry into text, data and moral reason
Authors
Dr. Dasarath Murmu
Abstract
This paper reconstructs Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s
critique of the Hindu caste system through the lens of epistemology. It argues
that Ambedkar challenged caste not only as a social injustice but also as an
epistemic failure. He interrogated Hindu scriptures, scrutinised colonial
census data and relied on direct social observations. His approach rejected
appeal to tradition and textual authority where this lacked coherence,
empirical grounding, or ethical justification. By integrating rigorous textual
criticism, empirical analysis and moral reasoning, Ambedkar formed a distinct
epistemic method. His framework exposed caste not as a natural order but as a
manufactured ideology perpetuated through unjustifiable claims. The paper
analyses the philosophical coherence of this critique, showing that Ambedkar aligned
knowledge production with moral responsibility. His epistemic method continues
to influence social science and constitutional jurisprudence in India and
remains relevant in global debates on institutionalised inequality.
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Pages:71-74
How to cite this article:
Dr. Dasarath Murmu "Ambedkar’s epistemic critique of caste: A rationalist inquiry into text, data and moral reason". International Journal of Social Research and Development, Vol 7, Issue 1, 2025, Pages 71-74
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