Reality And Physics Some Aspects

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Reality and Physics: Some Aspects" by D.S. Kothari, focusing on its engagement with modern physics and ancient Indian philosophy, particularly Jain thought:

Bridging the Gap: From Newtonian Absolutes to Quantum Complementarity and Jain Syadvada

The article, "Reality and Physics: Some Aspects" by D.S. Kothari, explores the profound shifts in our understanding of reality brought about by modern physics, specifically relativity and quantum mechanics, and draws striking parallels with ancient Indian philosophical traditions, particularly Jainism. Kothari argues that these new scientific paradigms, rather than being mere refinements of classical physics, represent radical departures, echoing the insights of ancient Indian thinkers.

The Demise of Newtonian Absolutes and the Rise of a New Perspective:

Kothari begins by highlighting the foundational role of absolute space and time in Newtonian physics. Newton viewed space not just as a container but as an omnipresent "sensorium" of God, an active organ through which the divine perceived and maintained the world. This necessitated continuous divine intervention to keep the universe, like the solar system, running harmoniously due to inherent imperfections.

The overthrow of this Newtonian conception, Kothari notes, was significantly influenced by a confluence of philosophical thought. He cites Ernst Mach, whose skepticism and empirical approach, influenced by Indian philosophical thought, profoundly impacted Albert Einstein. Mach's view that the "ego" is merely a fleeting connection of changing elements, a concept echoed in Buddhist philosophy, paved the way for a more nuanced understanding of self and reality.

Schrödinger, Vedanta, and the Universal "Self":

The article delves into Erwin Schrödinger's contemplation on the nature of the self. Schrödinger, in his essay "Seek for the Road," draws a direct parallel between the modern scientific understanding of consciousness and the ancient Vedantic concept of "Tat tvam asi" (That thou art). He suggests that the perception of a distinct individual self might be an illusion, and that the true "Self" is an all-encompassing reality. This insight, he posits, underpins all morally valuable activity, enabling individuals to act for a greater good even at personal cost.

Bohr's Complementarity and Jain Syadvada: A Shared Logic of Contradiction:

A central theme of the article is the resonance between Niels Bohr's principle of complementarity and the ancient Indian concept of Syadvada (from the Jain tradition). Kothari explains that Bohr's complementarity, which acknowledges that phenomena can exhibit contradictory properties (like wave-particle duality), offers a framework for understanding the complex relationships between seemingly irreconcilable aspects of existence.

This principle, Kothari argues, is deeply embedded in Jain philosophy, particularly in the dialogue between Lord Mahavira and Gautama regarding the nature of the soul. Lord Mahavira's assertion that the soul is "eternal in some respect and non-eternal in some respect" perfectly exemplifies the Syadvada approach. Similarly, the question of whether the body is identical with or different from the soul is answered with "it is identical as well as different."

Syadvada: A Multifaceted Approach to Reality:

Kothari elaborates on Syadvada, describing its formulation of seven ways to describe reality, encompassing combinations of affirmation, negation, and indeterminateness. He illustrates this with an analogy to the superposition principle in quantum mechanics, where a system can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This contrasts with Aristotelian logic, which is often seen as absolute and one-sided.

Kothari expresses surprise that Syadvada, with its broad applicability, remained primarily within the philosophical realm and did not develop quantitatively. He suggests that its emphasis on philosophical inquiry, rather than rigorous quantitative observation, might explain this.

The Objective vs. Subjective Divide: Science and the "I":

The article then pivots to the inherent distinction between the objective world studied by science and the subjective experience of the individual. Kothari highlights that science is inherently objective, built on the principle of repeatability and verifiable statements derived from comparisons between sense impressions. This objectivity, while leading to remarkable success, also imposes a limitation: it excludes subjectivity, personal feelings, emotions, and consciousness – the "I" – from its domain.

The mind-body problem is presented as a crucial area where science has struggled to provide definitive answers. While the brain is a physical entity amenable to objective study, the mind, with its subjective experiences like sensations and consciousness, remains elusive. Kothari quotes Sir Charles Sherrington, who describes the mind as more "ghostly than a ghost," intangible and without sensual confirmation, thus lying outside the purview of natural science.

The Mind's Control and the Universal "I":

Despite the objective limitations of science, Kothari asserts the undeniable reality of mind-body interaction. The control of the mind over the body (e.g., conscious movement) and the body's influence on the mind (e.g., through drugs or brain injuries) are presented as incontrovertible facts of personal experience.

Drawing on the work of John von Neumann and Eugene Wigner, Kothari discusses the idea that consciousness might play a role in the reduction of the wave packet in quantum mechanics, highlighting the difficulty in defining the boundary between the observer and the observed.

He further explores the idea that if the body is a "machine" controlled by the mind, and if "I" control my body, then perhaps every mind that has ever felt "I" is ultimately the one that controls the universe according to the laws of nature. This leads back to Schrödinger's interpretation of the Upanishadic concept of Atman as Brahman, suggesting a unified underlying reality.

The Search for Purpose and the Unresolved Mystery of "I":

Kothari concludes by acknowledging the paradox that while science declares the universe and human life purposeless, the subjective "I" inherently seeks purpose. This raises fundamental questions about the bridging link between objective science and subjective experience, and the apparent contradiction between scientific determinism and the freedom of the will.

He emphasizes that the "mystery" of the "I," its interaction with the body, and the purpose of existence remain profound and largely unresolved, with insights from the Upanishads still holding significant relevance. While the article acknowledges the progress in quantum physics, cybernetics, and molecular biology, it suggests that the mystery might be deeper than ever imagined. Kothari cautions against dismissing these fundamental questions as nonexistent, as this could ultimately stifle rather than enrich the human spirit. He also touches upon Jung's concept of synchronicity, suggesting it might offer a different, acausal connecting principle for understanding these deep enigmas, albeit in a problematic rather than solved manner.

In essence, Kothari's article is a compelling exploration of how modern physics, in its quest for ultimate reality, has circled back to embrace philosophical insights that were articulated millennia ago in Indian traditions, particularly Jainism's Syadvada, offering a rich framework for understanding the complex interplay of mind, matter, and existence.