“Quantum Physics and Vedanta”: A Perspective From Bernard d'ESPAGNAT'S Scientific Realism

Abstract

In the last decades, several rapprochements have been made between quantum physics and the Advaita Vedānta (AV) school of Hinduism. Theoretical issues such as the role of the observer in measurement and physical interconnectedness have been associated with tenets of AV, generating various critical responses. In this study, I propose to address this encounter in the light of recent works on philosophical implications of quantum physics by the physicist and philosopher of science Bernard d'Espagnat.The relatively recent encounter between quantum physics and Advaita Vedānta (AV) has given rise to a number of interesting debates over the last couple of years. Several proposals for dialogue and integration have been put forth, generating various critical responses. This study is an attempt to address, and in a sense reassess, this encounter in the light of recent works on philosophical implications of quantum physics by the theoretical physicist and philosopher of science Bernard d'Espagnat.The Vedāntic tradition has its roots in the Hindu tradition of India, and stands as one of its most sophisticated philosophical and theological developments. It has greatly influenced Indian religious and philosophical schools throughout history and continues to attract a significant following all over the world. AV is the oldest extant school of Vedānta, and its foremost teacher wasŚaṅkara, a philosopher who lived in India around the seventh-eighth century C.E. Like other Vedānta schools, AV is drawn primarily from the Upanis . ads, a group of philosophical texts considered to be an early source of Hindu religion. The term advaita means "nondual," and thus AV holds the view that distinctions between things, individuals, Jonathan Duquette is a postdoctoral fellow in

Rich Religion and Science: Asian Religions, Ian Barbour, and Much Else

“…For a critical discussion, see Restivo , Jones , and Jones ; the latter was reviewed in Zygon (Drees ). On this theme see also Duquette and Ijjas . Another theme, perhaps with greater academic credibility, is the discourse on consciousness and the brain (e.g., Sharma ; Yong ; Vieten et al ; Colzato and Silk ; Deleanu ; Hommel and Colzato ; Raffone et al ; Tamatea ; De Prycker ).…”

The Ultimate Reality in the Universe: A Study on the Views of Quantum Physics and Vedanta Philosophy

“…Science cannot and will not provide answers to some issues (Frauchiger & Renner, 2018) Vedanta and quantum mechanics could seem extremely distinct. One is a part of the scientific tradition, while the other is rather philosophical (Duquette, 2011). Vedanta explores the depths to identify the "subject inside", who is interacting with this universe, whereas science focuses on the universe "out there".…”

Science and the Religions of the World

“…This issue also includes dispute on Hinduism and science, inspired by two recent books; Zygon recently published some other contributions on Hinduism and science (Dorman 2011; Duquette 2011). As it will become clear to the reader from the outspoken essays in this issue, the diversity of perspectives and scholarly opinions among Hindus and scholars of Hinduism is at least as great as for Christianity.…”