God, Science, and Advaita
21 Pages Posted: 26 Oct 2017
Date Written: September 16, 2016
Abstract
Possible epistemic limitations of science are stated in respect of material, mathematical, and mental structures. It is observed that limitations in respect of material and mathematical structures have already been established by way indeterminacy principles, event horizons, and Godel's incompleteness theorems. It is however, noted that limitations (i.e. gaps in our understanding) of sentient-biological structures - particularly of consciousness - are yet unresolved. Based on our current thinking, it is assumed that the epistemic gaps related to the emergence of consciousness, qualia, subjectivity, and integrity of experience etc. are beyond the formulation of science. It is proposed that teleological principle, sometimes termed rather provocatively as god-of-the-gaps, is invoked to fill in these gaps by postulating contextual hypotheses.
Theological school of orthodox non-dualism (Advaita) is taken as an example to see how the gaps in our cognitive experience are explained by constructing the quasi-transcendent concepts of "neutral observer" and "supervising deities". However, the ultimate reality is said to be beyond these constructed concepts (teleological or otherwise) - it is without form, without attributes, without motion, and inactive. Knowledge of this reality is liberation. This Knowledge is the euphemism for imbibing certain values and becoming ego-less.
The final non-duality (moxa) is differentiated from the empirical non-duality - a gap in our cognitive experience - only on the basis of enlightenment attained “here and now”. As such axiology (value-system) becomes the most important distinguishing mark of Advaita's theology. Internalization of this value system is known as the Knowledge; it is the only necessary and sufficient condition of Liberation.
Contemporary Advaita accepts the value-system of Upanishads, Bhagavadgita, and Yogasutra making these three as the foundational scriptures of Advaita.
Keywords: Indeterminacy, Godel, Incompleteness, Penrose-triangle, mind-body, irreducibility, qualia, Supervenience, God, Advaita, Yoga
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