Sunday, March 17, 2024

Is the non-dualism of Advaita Vedanta against the dualism of science? (ChatGPT, 2024-3-17)

Advaita Vedanta and science approach reality from different perspectives, but they are not necessarily in direct opposition to each other.

Advaita Vedanta is a philosophical school within Hinduism that emphasizes the concept of non-duality (advaita), asserting that the ultimate reality is Brahman, which is beyond all distinctions and dualities. According to Advaita Vedanta, the perceived multiplicity and diversity of the world are illusory, and the ultimate truth is the unity of all existence.

Science, on the other hand, is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. While science operates within the realm of empirical observation and experimentation, it does not necessarily concern itself with metaphysical questions about ultimate reality.

The apparent differences between Advaita Vedanta and science mainly lie in their methodologies, domains of inquiry, and the types of questions they seek to answer. Advaita Vedanta deals with metaphysical questions about the nature of reality and the self, while science focuses on understanding the physical world through empirical evidence and logical reasoning.

However, it's essential to note that many scientists and philosophers recognize the limitations of science in addressing certain metaphysical questions, such as the nature of consciousness or the ultimate origins of the universe. Some aspects of Advaita Vedanta, particularly its emphasis on subjective experience and consciousness, may provide insights that complement scientific understanding.

In summary, while Advaita Vedanta and science may approach reality from different perspectives, they need not be seen as inherently contradictory. They operate in different domains of inquiry and can potentially offer complementary insights into the nature of reality.