Author: D P Chattopadhyaya
Publisher: Indian Institute of Advanced Study
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 375
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8179860302
Description
The essays of this book are addressed to some basic issues of science, society and value. Discounting the autonomy claim of science Chattopadhyaya tries to trace its social roots and discover its historical background. Also he discounts the value-neutrality claim of science-of both social science and natural science.
All forms of knowledge, scientific and social, are basically rooted in the human nature and limits. According to Chattopadhyaya, freedom underpins human inspiration and aspirations which explains the integral character of facts, ideas and values. He finds no dichotomy between fact and value, between naturalism and humanism, or between subjectivity and objectivity.
A substantial part of the book is concerned with the nature of scientific knowledge. It is argued that because of its humanistic roots science cannot be absolutely objective. Objectivity is nothing but inter-subjectivity, sharability of knowledge by suitably qualified people. From this thesis of inter-subjectivity the author argues back to the unity of human nature and community f human interests and intentions.
From the analysis of the concepts of unity and community he extracts the larger perspectives of the human unity, democracy and justice. All these elements are claimed to be inputs of much needed civilization dialogue in a world torn by strife and inequitable levels of development.
Contents
PREFACE
PROVENANCE OF THE ESSAYS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
INTRODUCTION
SECTION I: MOSAIC OF SCIENCE
Myth, Metaphysics and Science
Physics, Body-Mind and the Beyond
Lifeworld, Science and Technology
Science, Value and Ethics
Can Science and Technology be Value-Neutral?
SECTIO II: NATURALISM AND HUMANISM VARIETY AND BLENDS
Naturalism: Indian Approaches
Naturalism and Humanism in Creation and Construction
Are Naturalism and Humanism Historically Antithetical?
Tagore on Humanization of Science
SECTION III: JUSTICE, DEMOCRACY AND CIVILIZATIONAL DIALOGUE
Two Approaches to Society and Polity: Scientific and Philosophical
Democracy and Justice: Some Considerations
Difference Principles, Demoted Democracy and Globalization without Hegemonism
Dialogue Among Civilizations: Concepts and Aims
An Indo-European Dialogical Framework: Conceptual and Cultural
SECTION IV: EPILOGUE
Human Development in the Twenty-First Century
Index