Gandhian economic philosophy

This book is divided into three parts. Part A contains two chapters. Chapter I deals with the need for a socio-economic syn- thesis-the need for an eclectic approach to Economic Science. An attempt is made in this chapter to show the possibility of
integrating economics with other social sciences, and the way the Indian economic thought has done it. The Gandhian contri-
bution to Economic Science is mostly from this eclectic standpoint. Chapter 11 gives some details of Gandhi's biography,
'which though a common knowledge to many, needs to be record- ed here for two reasons. Firstly, \..6andhi's life has been very
dynamic, natural and inspiring. Even at the risk of repetition some of the biographical notes of Gandhi's life are helpful in
giving the individual necessary. strength to face the ordeals of daily life. Apart from that,Gandhian economic philosophy is the
outcome of his experiences in life in different parts of the world. Secondly. the book might fall into the hands of those who have
had so far no opportunity of studying the biography of this great man. For such readers this chapter may be of interest in more
than one way. It is hoped that this section would provide the necessary background to enable the reader to appreciate the parti-
cular standpoint from which this study has been undertaken. Part B contains seven main chapters giving the contributions of
Gandhi to economic problems. Subjects like the scope of economics, economic laws, nature of profit, capital and exploitation.
the structure of economic organizations-rural as well as industrial, the problem of full employment, cost and output and the
theory of wages are discussed' in several chapters of this section. The last chapter-Chapter X~in fact, is a recapitulation of the
earlier seven chapters; it summarises the basic tenets of the Gandhian economic structure. This section has a special function to perform. It attempts to indicate the lines on which Economic Science may have to be moulded in case an integrated approach synthesizing it with other social sciences, specially ethics and metaphysics, has to be made. Part C of the monograpb contains three chapters.