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Jainism and Quantum Mechanics
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Interestingly Jaina theory about reality denies inalterability of Being This theory takes into account all possible aspects of a thing and can give us complete truth. Thus, there is remarkable similarity between Jain view and Quantum Mechanics.
To understand properly the relation between and quantum mechanics it is necessary to understand the non-absolutist attitude of the Jains regarding the nature of Reality which is already discussed.
The unique metaphysics of the Jains based upon their unique epistemology deserves attention. According to it, logic and experience go together. Possibly with this approach Jainism can help science to rediscover truth. Jainism asserts that reality is a synthesis of opposites-change and permanence.
It is pertinent to note in this context "Non-absolutism of Jains is not the result of negation of absolute and extremes but their unification and integration as a system."12 what I want to establish is that there is no uncompromised antagonism between science and religion.
Research in sub atomic field has revealed the need for revision of some fundamental concepts to concept of matter and worldview. As it is observed some physicists noticed close relationship between the ancient and traditional philosophical ideas and the philosophical substance of Quantum Theory."13
Especially Jainism has a unique way of dealing with paradoxical aspect of reality through its tenet of non-absolutism. "The most striking parallel between the notions of atomic physics and those of Jain philosophy is the principle of unification of the opposites... The Jains always emphasized the paradoxical opposites instead of bypassing or concealing them... The dual and paradoxical aspect of matter can be properly understood if one applies the principle of anekantavada."14 Anekantavada is the theory of non-onesidedness as the versatility of aspects.
Thus opposites are relative. Law of Non-Absolutism i.e. Anekantavada asserts that only what is permanent can change. Opposites are therefore not irreconcilable. This kind of unification of concepts may prove to be useful for further exploration between Jainism and Quantum mechanics. : The Jain theory of universe is that "Paramanus dominate the whole universe. These microscopic particles while retaining their particle form can behave like a wave.
We can reveal parallels between Jainism and some scientific concepts. The Paradox of wave-particle duality of light could be explained by the concept of complementarity introduced by Neils Bohr. This concept states that both of wave aspect and the particle aspects of and light are necessary to fully understand light. Light or for that matter anything cannot be both wave-like and particle like in the some context. But as it is observed “This precisely is the
