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Science, religion, and constructivism: constructing and understanding reality

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Abstract

There have been debates about the place of religion in science and in what ways knowledge that is produced through religion can aid in the learning and teaching of science. The discord between science and religion is mainly focused on whose knowledge is better in describing and explaining the reality. Constructivist epistemology seems to give some scholars hope in the possibility that the discord between science and religion can be ameliorated and that their expressions of reality can co-exist. In this forum contribution I present some Hindu perspectives to re-interpret how science and Hinduism explain reality. I have used only few Hindu perspectives based on selected Hindu writings, particularly Vedanta, to expand on objectivity and reality. Finally, I recommend that social constructivism may be a better framework in keeping science and religion discord at bay.

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Notes

  1. Vedanta is a Hindu spiritual tradition explained in the Upanishads (a set of philosophical and instructive Vedic scriptures). The focus of Vedanta is about the self-realization whereby one understands the ultimate nature of reality. Vedanta also teaches that the goal of Hindus is to rise above the limitations of self-identity and achieve Brahman or one’s unity with Brahman (Brodd 2003). Vedanta is based on several books and there is no singular source for Vedantic philosophy. The two major propositions of Vedanta are: (1) Human nature is divine. (2) The aim of human life is to realize that human nature is divine.

References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Curriculum and Instruction, University of Minnesota, 125 Peik Hall, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Bhaskar Upadhyay

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  1. Bhaskar Upadhyay
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Correspondence to Bhaskar Upadhyay.

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Upadhyay, B. Science, religion, and constructivism: constructing and understanding reality. Cult Stud of Sci Educ 5, 41–46 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11422-009-9206-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11422-009-9206-5

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