Present Appertaining To Books Scientific Edge: The Indian Scientist From Vedic To Modern Times
| Title | : | Scientific Edge: The Indian Scientist From Vedic To Modern Times |
| Author | : | Jayant V. Narlikar |
| Book Format | : | Paperback |
| Book Edition | : | Special Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 216 pages |
| Published | : | August 4th 2003 by Penguin India |
| Categories | : | Nonfiction. Cultural. India. History. Science. Physics |
Jayant V. Narlikar
Paperback | Pages: 216 pages Rating: 3.71 | 21 Users | 3 Reviews
Narration Concering Books Scientific Edge: The Indian Scientist From Vedic To Modern Times
I bought this book after reading The Wings of Fire by Dr A.P.J Kalam. Finally, I read it after almost 10 years. The book is about the historical evolution of science in India. Jayant V. Narlikar is an astrophysicist of great repute. Naturally, his inclination for astronomy and astrophysics is uncharacteristically reflected in the book. The book also addresses topics that debunk the popular contemporary myths in India, the present state of scientific institutions, etc.The author starts with actual scientific contributions of Ancient India. He explains the rigour of scientific temper and how it can be used to debunk the popular myths that have crept into the collective mindset. For example, he cites Shulva Sutra, which is the statement of Pythagoras' Theorem. People often do not fully comprehend that existence of the mere proposed statement lacks the proof of it. Shulva Sutra correctly identifies and predates the statement of Pythagoras' Theorem. But lacks the proof of the theorem in ancient texts.
He also discusses the invaluable contributions of Aryabhatta I and Bhaskara II. (Both of them share the honour of having satellites named after them.) One of my favourite quote with reference to Aryabhatta I is - "Unfortunately, the sociology of science teaches that while it is creditable and rewarding to be slightly ahead of your contemporaries, it is much more credible but not at all rewarding to be way ahead of them." This, in my opinion, is also applicable to Copernicus and Galileo. There is a small portion dedicated to the rise and fall of olden universities such as Nalanda and Takshashila
I have one major disagreement with the author. He states that Ayurveda cites the reason of ill-health to ghosts and influence of evil entities. Ayurveda is an approach that deals and categorizes everything with the imbalances in the body and its functions. Ayurveda doesn't deal with microbiology for the obvious lack of tools like a microscope, etc.
He also advocates seeing the error in believing the existence of advanced technology such as missiles and planes. The reason he cites is a logical one, that there are not enough texts or evidence to guarantee the existence of atomic theory or electromagnetic theory during that period. He claims to dismiss them as fertile imagination. Vedic Mathematics also has been debunked with the reasoning that mere methods of number crunching do not constitute advanced mathematics and the folly of not enough credible references from ancient texts. It turns out that Vedic mathematics is neither mathematics or Vedic in origin. All these myths are borne out of confirmation bias and parameter fitting.
In the next section of the book, Narliker introduces the ideas of scientific temper and theorising. He then discusses the impact and understanding of scientific culture, the advent of modern astronomy through colonial interactions, and development of modern astronomy and astrophysics in India. There are stories of missed opportunities and successful ventures that were undertaken. The tropical weather attracted the development of observatories in India, by the colonial scientific community. Allied with this were the contributions of Raja Ram Mohan Roy for social and educational revolutions in India. It is often forgotten that the rise of science is also impacted by the then social and educational construct of society. This facilitated a fertile ground for evolution and growth of astronomy and astrophysics in India.
Narlikar then dedicates a portion of a critical analysis of the post-independent and contemporary scientific institutions. He makes a striking remark saying - "..... very often we suspect that our academic institutions are uncomfortable with excellence. They are happy with mediocrity since then not much is expected from anybody and everyone can bask in masterly inactivity." This does not reflect on select few very successful institutions like IITs, but rather on many more universities and colleges which are largely mediocre. He also puts an emphasis on the role of science journalism in educating and propagating scientific temper.
He also decimates the astrology as science. He remarks that the existence of astrology is more of a social need rather than a scientific one. Lastly, he ends on the analysing the possible synthesis of religion and science. He describes how it can be put in a non-antagonistic fashion to coexist, by differentiating between knowledge and philosophy.
The book is compact and factual. Written in simple language except for the scientific terms thrown in. It can be a good light reading.
Identify Books Supposing Scientific Edge: The Indian Scientist From Vedic To Modern Times
| Original Title: | Scientific Edge: The Indian Scientist from Vedic to Modern Times |
| ISBN: | 0143030280 (ISBN13: 9780143030287) |
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Rating Appertaining To Books Scientific Edge: The Indian Scientist From Vedic To Modern Times
Ratings: 3.71 From 21 Users | 3 ReviewsPiece Appertaining To Books Scientific Edge: The Indian Scientist From Vedic To Modern Times
Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar is an Indian cosmologist. Narlikar is a proponent of the steady state cosmology. He developed with Sir Fred Hoyle the conformal gravity theory, commonly known as HoyleNarlikar theory.Besides scientific papers and books and popular science literature, Narlikar has written science fiction, novels, and short stories in English, Hindi, and Marathi.Interesting in parts
I bought this book after reading The Wings of Fire by Dr A.P.J Kalam. Finally, I read it after almost 10 years. The book is about the historical evolution of science in India. Jayant V. Narlikar is an astrophysicist of great repute. Naturally, his inclination for astronomy and astrophysics is uncharacteristically reflected in the book. The book also addresses topics that debunk the popular contemporary myths in India, the present state of scientific institutions, etc.The author starts with
I bought this book after reading The Wings of Fire by Dr A.P.J Kalam. Finally, I read it after almost 10 years. The book is about the historical evolution of science in India. Jayant V. Narlikar is an astrophysicist of great repute. Naturally, his inclination for astronomy and astrophysics is uncharacteristically reflected in the book. The book also addresses topics that debunk the popular contemporary myths in India, the present state of scientific institutions, etc.The author starts with
A brilliant take on Science, Scientific Temper and need for Skepticism by an eminent Indian Scientist. This book should be required reading for all Indians, especially young Indians still completing their educational degrees. Some topics are a bit dated, but overall, the book is as relevant today as it was in 2003, when it was first published.
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