Epistemology and Science in Indian Temples

Introduction

• Ancient South Indian temples feature intricately carved windows
• These windows frame the outside world, impacting perception
• They act as mediators between the observer and the observed
• Displaying a remarkable diversity, mirroring Indian cultural pluralism
• Diverse temple styles include Pallavas, Chalukyas, Cholas, etc.
• These styles reflect different epistemological traditions

Epistemology and Science

• Epistemology without contact with science is an empty scheme
• Science without epistemology is primitive and muddled
• Natural theology views the world as a divine design (like a watch)
• Darwin's theory of evolution challenged natural theology's assumptions of a guiding hand, viewing creation as a process of chance
• Evolution by natural selection, not design, drives biological diversity and complexity
• Marxism and the Soviet Union illustrate conflicts between science and ideology
• Science should not be limited by predetermined ideologies or philosophies
• Pierre Duhem viewed scientific laws as approximations, not absolute truths

Windows to the Universe: Indian Darshanas

• Important perspectives on Indian views of knowledge and scientific inquiry
• Prominent scientists and thinkers discussed
• Vladimir Lenin, a Russian revolutionary, considered criticism of scientific views to be vital for the cause of Marxist ideology
• Swami Vivekananda suggested the significance of Satkaryavada
• Satkaryavada states that the effect is already present in the cause
• Evolution, therefore, is a simple process of transformation rather than emerging from nothing
• Evolution is inherent, pre-existing, within the original cause, already present

Vedantic Satkaryavada

• The concept of a tiny seed becoming a magnificent banyan tree
• Effect is already inherent in the cause
• Explains how the cause already holds the potential for the effect (transformational perspective, rather than emergent)

Jain Syadvada

• Syadvada emphasizes the relativity and conditionality of truth
• Truth is relative and dependent on context(perspective, conditions)
• The concept is part of Jain Philosophy and applicable to the study of reality
• A way to understand and appreciate various perspectives on any concept

Buddhist Pratityasamutpada

• Pratityasamutpada, also known as dependent causation, is a central Buddhist concept
• It emphasizes that everything arises in dependence on other factors
• Everything is interconnected and interdependent
• Implies that nothing exists in isolation. It is relative to the cause, conditions (and, therefore, other factors)

Co-evolution

• Coevolution is an example of how species adapt together and interdependently
• Interconnectedness of species and the environment
• Species' relationship is not random, but rather complex and interconnected
• An example: Horses and Tundra Grass—their intertwined adaptations for survival
• Nagarjuna's concept of dependent causation aligns with coevolution thinking
• Interconnectedness is a core tenet in both philosophy and scientific investigation

Explore the intertwining of epistemology and science through the lens of ancient South Indian temple architecture. This quiz delves into the intricate carvings and diverse styles of these temples, and how they reflect broader epistemological traditions. Analyze the connection between scientific thought, natural theology, and cultural pluralism in a compelling context.