PPT: The Philosophy of Constitution | Political Science Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE 
CONSTITUTION
Page 2


THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE 
CONSTITUTION
INTRODUCTION
Why a Constitution?
The Constitution, a document adopted after India 
gained independence, provides a framework for 
governance and outlines fundamental rights and 
responsibilities. This chapter explores the rationale 
behind its creation and its enduring relevance in 
shaping Indian society and polity.
The Philosophical Approach
We delve into the political philosophy of the 
Constitution, analyzing its values, objectives, and its 
connection to the historical context in which it was 
drafted.
Page 3


THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE 
CONSTITUTION
INTRODUCTION
Why a Constitution?
The Constitution, a document adopted after India 
gained independence, provides a framework for 
governance and outlines fundamental rights and 
responsibilities. This chapter explores the rationale 
behind its creation and its enduring relevance in 
shaping Indian society and polity.
The Philosophical Approach
We delve into the political philosophy of the 
Constitution, analyzing its values, objectives, and its 
connection to the historical context in which it was 
drafted.
WHAT IS MEANT BY PHILOSOPHY OF THE 
CONSTITUTION?
A constitution is not just a 
collection of laws but a 
reflection of societal values and 
principles. Laws are often rooted 
in our deeply held moral beliefs, 
and the Constitution, as a 
framework of laws, embodies a 
moral vision.
A political philosophy approach 
to the Constitution involves 
analyzing the key concepts 
within it, interpreting its ideals, 
and understanding the 
justifications behind its values. It 
necessitates an examination of 
the Constituent Assembly 
Debates for deeper insights into 
the framers' intentions and 
reasoning.
This approach helps us 
understand the Constitution's 
moral content, its strengths and 
limitations, and the evolution of 
its interpretations in different 
political spheres. It also aids in 
resolving conflicts arising from 
conflicting interpretations of its 
values.
Page 4


THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE 
CONSTITUTION
INTRODUCTION
Why a Constitution?
The Constitution, a document adopted after India 
gained independence, provides a framework for 
governance and outlines fundamental rights and 
responsibilities. This chapter explores the rationale 
behind its creation and its enduring relevance in 
shaping Indian society and polity.
The Philosophical Approach
We delve into the political philosophy of the 
Constitution, analyzing its values, objectives, and its 
connection to the historical context in which it was 
drafted.
WHAT IS MEANT BY PHILOSOPHY OF THE 
CONSTITUTION?
A constitution is not just a 
collection of laws but a 
reflection of societal values and 
principles. Laws are often rooted 
in our deeply held moral beliefs, 
and the Constitution, as a 
framework of laws, embodies a 
moral vision.
A political philosophy approach 
to the Constitution involves 
analyzing the key concepts 
within it, interpreting its ideals, 
and understanding the 
justifications behind its values. It 
necessitates an examination of 
the Constituent Assembly 
Debates for deeper insights into 
the framers' intentions and 
reasoning.
This approach helps us 
understand the Constitution's 
moral content, its strengths and 
limitations, and the evolution of 
its interpretations in different 
political spheres. It also aids in 
resolving conflicts arising from 
conflicting interpretations of its 
values.
The Japanese Constitution: A Case Study
Peace as a Core Value
The Japanese Constitution, adopted in 1947, is known 
as the 'peace constitution'. It prioritizes peace as a 
fundamental principle, evident in its preamble and 
Article 9, which renounces war and the use of force as 
a means of settling international disputes.
Context and Philosophy
This constitution's philosophy directly reflects the 
post-World War II context, emphasizing a commitment 
to peace and non-violence. It showcases how 
historical events and circumstances influence the 
values enshrined within a constitution.
Page 5


THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE 
CONSTITUTION
INTRODUCTION
Why a Constitution?
The Constitution, a document adopted after India 
gained independence, provides a framework for 
governance and outlines fundamental rights and 
responsibilities. This chapter explores the rationale 
behind its creation and its enduring relevance in 
shaping Indian society and polity.
The Philosophical Approach
We delve into the political philosophy of the 
Constitution, analyzing its values, objectives, and its 
connection to the historical context in which it was 
drafted.
WHAT IS MEANT BY PHILOSOPHY OF THE 
CONSTITUTION?
A constitution is not just a 
collection of laws but a 
reflection of societal values and 
principles. Laws are often rooted 
in our deeply held moral beliefs, 
and the Constitution, as a 
framework of laws, embodies a 
moral vision.
A political philosophy approach 
to the Constitution involves 
analyzing the key concepts 
within it, interpreting its ideals, 
and understanding the 
justifications behind its values. It 
necessitates an examination of 
the Constituent Assembly 
Debates for deeper insights into 
the framers' intentions and 
reasoning.
This approach helps us 
understand the Constitution's 
moral content, its strengths and 
limitations, and the evolution of 
its interpretations in different 
political spheres. It also aids in 
resolving conflicts arising from 
conflicting interpretations of its 
values.
The Japanese Constitution: A Case Study
Peace as a Core Value
The Japanese Constitution, adopted in 1947, is known 
as the 'peace constitution'. It prioritizes peace as a 
fundamental principle, evident in its preamble and 
Article 9, which renounces war and the use of force as 
a means of settling international disputes.
Context and Philosophy
This constitution's philosophy directly reflects the 
post-World War II context, emphasizing a commitment 
to peace and non-violence. It showcases how 
historical events and circumstances influence the 
values enshrined within a constitution.
Constitution as Means of Democratic 
Transformation
Restricting Power
Constitutions serve as a means of 
limiting state power, preventing 
abuse and ensuring that institutions 
function within defined boundaries. 
The Indian Constitution, in 
particular, addresses the potential 
for state tyranny and ensures 
checks and balances on the 
exercise of authority.
Empowering the People
The Indian Constitution, inspired by 
the principles of democratic self-
determination, aimed to empower 
previously marginalized 
communities and facilitate social 
transformation. It goes beyond 
simply limiting power, but actively 
seeks to promote social justice and 
equality.
Self-Determination
The Constituent Assembly was seen 
as a symbol of India's self-
determination, allowing for the 
creation of a constitution without 
external interference. This reflected 
the desire for a new political and 
social order, free from colonial 
constraints.