David Gosling

I wanted to gain more understanding on — India & Science. I found this book inspiring, with threads across, religious schools of thought, and natural sciences. I am familiar with European Sciences.

The Book goes through glimpses of science & India. Gosling, sets this up from key personalities, who shaped science, and religion in India. I would say even in 21st century, their impact is ongoing among newer generations. I can think of Swamy Vivekanda, highly quoted by layman.

I enjoyed reading about Hindoo Intellectuals, who absorbed secularism, deflected evangelical assault upon them during 19th century. Based on my other readings and understanding; I would add, perhaps say, evangelical christianity ushered Bengal Renaissance. Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj were reactions to counter influx of social change brought by Evangelical Christians.

Few Chapters on Hinduism, helped me to expand my understanding of Secularism and Various schools of thought in Hinduism. You can expect brief introductions to Advaita, Ramanuja schools of thought. My own thoughts were comparing, Professor Charles Taylor’s work in his book, “A Secular Age.”

Chapter 7, would be an original contribution from this book, it gives specific journeys of Indians, scientists in research Institutes, and their religious affiliation. Gosling says, few native Christian Intellectuals rose to prominence or had great influence. For many scientists in India, religious schools of thought influenced them.

If you have read theology, philosophy, this book would be easy, simple to understand. I learnt more about Hinduism.

My Impression earlier on this subject — there’s lack of organization, systematic building of knowledge within India & Science, and experimental methodology. This was merely an observation. Eons ago, Al-Buruni, made similar observations.

Outline:

-Introduction
-Science in India’s Intellectual Renaissance
-Tradition
-Worldview
-Relativity
-Indian Science comes of Age
-Investigation of Beliefs of Indian Scientists
-How clear is reason’s stream?
-Looking into Future

I would highly recommend this book, if you’re interested in Intellectual history of Science, Religion, Hinduism, India.

Gosling's Bibliography is solid.

I highly advise everyone to keep reading widely; the more I’ve read - I find both Religion & Science fascinating, exciting!

"Could we gain understanding of reality better with both?"

Deus Vult,
Gottfried… (mehr)