Nandanvana

Author(s): N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 35

Science and Religion : Conflict and Convergence :
(15)
(3) The human incompetency and all-inclusive scripture concept led
either to suspend knowledge gaining activity or to disregard vehemently the results of such an activity on the basis of scriptural description leading to stagnation of knowledge for more than 2000 years with occasional flashes of unimpressive impact,
retaining the age-old status of common man till the middle ages. Nature of Science and Scientific Outlook
In general, science means knowledge and the Indians have only one Goddess, Sarasvatī, representing the unity of material and spiritual knowledge. It is a pre-Christian concept since the days of Aristotle (384-322 BC). However, it is now qualified with adjectives like systematic, dynamic, fragmented, never-ending search for judgment about universal phenomena for their interpretation and development. It is said to be a major mental activity or mood like any other activities of art, religion, and philosophy, consisting of observation, classification, hypothesization, and alteration, if need be. It could be guessed, however, that man is, first a scientist and religious next as he starts his life with outer observation, the inner ones develop later.
Evolutionally, intelligent and mentally alert man quickly learned the secrets of natural and astral agencies and decided to tame them for better service. He has been making successful adventures in this direction, which had a great impact on the history, civilization, and progress of mankind. The science has acquired immense knowledge without any barrier but it has limitation of means - sensual, physical and instrumental aided by tradition and previously won knowledge. It is a methodology and also a way of life applicable to the outer or inner mind without recourse to intuition or flash"?. That is why, in the old days religion, science and philosophy were nearly synonymous as according to Jainas, observation and knowledge are taken as simultaneous. 3 Thus, science and religion are sister systems - nay twin sisters according to Islam! - performing major human mental activities. Despite their common origin, it seems, they have been bred somewhat differently. The definition of science and, therefore, knowledge too, involves some characteristics, which shape the scientific outlook. Due to the ever-changing and never-ending nature of knowledge, a scientist develops an inquirer's attitude. He becomes