Amartya Sen, in his book Theory of Justice ,speaks about the importance of reason .Giving example from Wittgenstein he emphasis the importance of Enlightenment and also the clear -headed reason that societies must have as a basic tool for improving social systems.Also he quotes Glover in his appeal for reason.The role of ideology in Stalinism also reflects the dark side of reason ,when this is framed by ideology and blind beliefs.So the question is what remedies should be taken for bad reasoning?
Amartya Sen sets Akbhar as an example but also an answer to the above question.Akhbar was one the Mughal Emperor which ruled India and for the first time in history talked about multiculturalism,religious tolerance and he was the founder of secularism in India.The key to good reasoning , Akhbar says, is the equality towards different religions and that all citizens should be treated equally and the only solution is the pursuit of reason rather that of the land of tradition .The critical scrutiny of all faiths .The dilemma is why reason is the ultimate arbitration of human belief.People should be objectively as they can in their thinking. He mentions J Rawls with his ”concept of justice as fairness” through ,,reasonable pursuits”(Habermas)
Amartya Sen talks about Adam Smith’s Impartial Spectator or the importance of objectivity in sociopolitical matters.Seeking resolutions in public reasoning and avoiding local parochial values ,encouraging a wide variety of views ,social justice can be achieved.Reason for justice may free reason of self-love and eliberate human mind from reason of prejudice.
Reasoning can be concurred with the thought way of viewing others, that differ from us -in some aspects of custom religion ethnicity-with respect and openness .Also reasoning not to repeat the mistakes of the past.Kujebuo Oe ,The Japanese poet said that the Japanese people should be committed towards learning from their own mistakes and never wage war “
Lack of reasoned judgment towards good life in order to avoid social catastrophes need critical scrutiny.A new human psychology of good reasoning bases on spontaneous support of initiatives can bring about changes in a society.Adam Smith in his book” The Theory of Moral Sentiment ”talks about reason blended with emotions as a key point in human existence.Thomas Hegel in ”The right word ” speaks about the the immunity that dogmatic thinking has to rational assessment and critical thinking.Ideology and dogmatism being the true enemies of human mind and freedoms.
Also Amartya Sen mentions Rawls and his merit in constructing a theory of justice .At its core principle liberty is the main requirement for accessing all rights where personal liberty has a special place.Plurality in views,equal opportunity ,critical thinking but also a distributive equality (primary goods) where people deliberately agree on their differences can bring Justice in the right place and also insure social stability,cultural diversity and economic growth.
Bibliography:Theory of Justice -Amartya Sen
