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Kokila Shah
Jainism and Quantum Mechanics
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In India tradition, science and spirituality go together. The study of relation between physics and metaphysics is a fascinating subject. Jainism is one of the ancient religions of India and one of the unique systems of philosophy which had greatly contributed to the various branches of learning. It gives rational basis for understanding universe. It is a system known for its scientific character. The paper attempts to explore parallels between modern physics and Jaina philosophy. The act of comparing the findings of philosophical inquiry with the results of scientific pursuit may prove to be useful. "In the history of human thinking new, interesting and the most fruitful developments frequently take place when two different lines of thought meet and mutually interact." I have tried to highlight Jain metaphysical doctrines, especially, principle of non-absolutism to understand rationally the paradoxical behaviour of sub-atomic particles in physics.
Jain philosophy is unique with its uncompromised realism and relative pluralism. Jainism believes in objective existence of the universe. Scientific theories are the result of observation. One must recognize metaphysical foundation of concept formation in empirical sciences. Though scientific laws are confirmed empirically they have a priori basis. There is no conflict between ontology and facts of experience.
Jain ontology is based on Anekanta nature of
