CONVERGENCE OF SCIENCE AND HUMANISM

Abstract

Science by its very nature delves deep into the mysteries of physical and biological world. But the prevailing rational scientific approach on its own fails to comprehensively unravel many mysteries due to inherent limitations of rationallogical approach. Search for true knowledge and to enquire into the trans-empirical realities the scientists will have to transcend logic to ensure complete happiness leading to physical, mental and spiritual satisfaction of human beings. Man and his world cannot be fully appreciated within the limited sphere of reasoning, experimentation and observation. Engineering of the inner world would call for contemplation, meditation and intuition. This would require a synthesis of two aspects of human life, namely, material and spiritual. Physical, intellectual and spiritual development must go hand in hand to maintain balance. Purely intellectual or heavily material culture bears in its heart the seed of death. Exclusive emphasis upon science and technology today has been able to produce only a materialistic civilisation and consumer culture in which the higher values of mankind especially the spiritual well-being is ignored. It has led to the present crisis of humanity. The author, therefore, suggests that a complete reversal of direction is necessary to conceptualise a new concept of science that is holistic in approach towards mankind and that transcends the sphere of the rational.