Microcosmology Atom In Jain Philosophy And Modern Science

This book, "Microcosmology: Atom in Jain Philosophy and Modern Science" by Jethalal S. Zaveri and Muni Mahendra Kumar, offers a comparative and critical study of the concept of the atom as understood in Jain philosophy and modern science. The authors, drawing on their expertise in both fields, aim to bridge the gap between ancient Indian philosophical insights and contemporary scientific findings.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• Comparative Study: The book meticulously compares and contrasts the theories of the atom from both Jainism and modern physics. It highlights both the striking similarities and the divergent points.
• Jain Philosophy's Atom (Paramāņu): It delves into the Jain concept of the paramāņu as the ultimate, indivisible, eternal, and indestructible unit of physical existence (pudgala). It discusses its characteristics, properties, and its place within the broader Jain metaphysical framework of six eternal substances (Dharmāstikāya, Adharmāstikāya, Ākāśāstikāya, Jīvāstikāya, Pudgalāstikāya, and Kāla).
• Modern Science's Atom: It traces the historical development of the atomic theory in Western science, from the early Greek atomists like Democritus to modern subatomic physics, quantum mechanics, particle physics, and the concept of quarks. It explains the evolution of models like the planetary model and Bohr's theory.
• Paradoxical Nature of Matter: The book explores the paradoxical nature of matter at the quantum level, such as wave-particle duality, the uncertainty principle, and the interconnectedness of particles (EPR effect). It suggests that Jain philosophy's anekāntavāda (non-absolutism) offers a framework for understanding these paradoxes.
• New Interpretations: It offers novel interpretations of modern scientific concepts like massless particles, superluminal speeds, and the basic unity of physics and philosophy through the lens of Jain thought.
• Specific Parallels Drawn:
  • Black Holes and Kṛṣṇarāji: The book draws parallels between modern scientific concepts of black holes and descriptions of similar phenomena in Jain scriptures (e.g., tamaskāya, kṛṣṇarāyi).
  • Quantum Jump and Aphusamāṇa Gati: It compares the quantum leap (electrons jumping between orbits without traversing the space in between) with the Jain concept of aphusamāṇa gati (motion without passing through intervening space).
  • Uncertainty Principle and Motion of Paramāņu: The book explores how the inherent uncertainty in the motion and behavior of paramāṇu in Jain physics aligns with the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle in quantum mechanics.
• Unification of Physics and Philosophy: It argues for the inherent unity of physical reality and suggests that modern physics, particularly theories like David Bohm's, is moving towards a worldview that incorporates consciousness, a concept central to Eastern philosophies like Jainism.
• Matter as Energy: It highlights the scientific realization that matter and energy are interchangeable (E=mc²) and connects this to Jain philosophical concepts of paryāya, pariṇāma, and kriyā, which describe the dynamic and mutable nature of pudgala (matter).
• General Properties and Classification: It details the general properties of pudgala in Jainism, including its sensory qualities (color, taste, smell, touch), its fusionable and fissionable nature, and its classification into various categories (vargaṇās).
• Methodology of Knowledge: The book discusses the different paths to knowledge: scientific investigation (physics) and direct intuitive experience or meditation (philosophy/Jainism), emphasizing the limitations of language in expressing profound insights.
• Critique and Compatibility: It provides a critique of both scientific and philosophical approaches, advocating for the integration of both perspectives. It argues that Jain philosophy's anekāntavāda is particularly well-suited to reconciling seemingly contradictory scientific findings.

Overall Purpose:

The book aims to demonstrate that ancient Indian wisdom, particularly Jain philosophy, possesses profound insights into the nature of the physical universe that resonate with and can complement modern scientific discoveries. It encourages a dialogue between science and philosophy, suggesting that a holistic understanding of reality can be achieved by integrating the analytical rigor of science with the intuitive wisdom of ancient traditions. It is intended to be beneficial for both scientists and philosophers interested in the nature of physical reality and the subatomic world.