03-08-2007, 06:27 AM
I believe what Ramana points to might benefit from serious discussion across the spectrum of Hindus. In terms of ancient Hindus and Hindu intellectual thought I do not think there is a conflict with science (the conflict as discussed in the western media being purely an abrahamistic concept). However, i cannot say the same of all modern religious Hindus. For example, many vocal Hare Krishnas vehmently oppose various scientific theories (some may say they are not Hindus, but I am not sure if I can but that claim-- they are some type of gauDIya vaiShNavas). Many modern advaitAcharyas are also uncomfortable with science putting holes into their ideas of sUkShma sharIra and its role in transferring vAsanas between sharIras. Finally, Hindus believe in the concept of punarjanma, ascent in the janma ladder as per karma etc, all of which have been entirely undermined by science. I personally feel Hindu dharma is not damaged seriously by the falsification of punarjanma and associated ideas. However, I have heard many other Hindus being deeply distressed by this possibility.
In my debates with reasonable Hindus I have found many taking refuge in "science not knowing everything" but that is a facile and worthless line of argument. A more nuanced view relies on the cognitive limit idea. A chimpanzee, while very closely related to is not capable of learning calculus even if we teach it patiently-- thus it has a limit in terms of what it can grasp. Thus, some argue that our science is limited by cognitive ability. I agree this statement is true-- in fact, few people can actually understand some cutting edge scientific concepts because it is beyond their cognitive abilities. However, I do not feel that in any way this means religious assertions can escape scientific scruitiny.
In my debates with reasonable Hindus I have found many taking refuge in "science not knowing everything" but that is a facile and worthless line of argument. A more nuanced view relies on the cognitive limit idea. A chimpanzee, while very closely related to is not capable of learning calculus even if we teach it patiently-- thus it has a limit in terms of what it can grasp. Thus, some argue that our science is limited by cognitive ability. I agree this statement is true-- in fact, few people can actually understand some cutting edge scientific concepts because it is beyond their cognitive abilities. However, I do not feel that in any way this means religious assertions can escape scientific scruitiny.