Lecture on History of Science in India and Physics

Introduction

• Speaker: Professor Subash Talk, Regents Professor of Computer Science at the University of Oklahoma, visiting professor at JNU, and member of Prime Minister's Science Technology and Innovation Council.
• Focus on history of science in India and the origin of physics.

Origin of Physics in India

• Vaisheshika Sutra by Kanada:
  • Part of six classical systems of Indian philosophy.
  • Vaisheshika focuses on vishesha (particular properties) which relates to physics.
  • Discusses properties of matter and the physical world.

Key Concepts in Vaisheshika

• Triple Framework:
  • Padartha (substances), Guna (properties), and Kriya (motion).
  • Modern physics aligns with describing properties based on atoms, their properties, and motion.
• Universal vs. Particular:
  • Samanya (universal) and Vishesha (particular) concepts.
  • Samavaya (connection between the self and reality) is essential for understanding.

Contributions of Kanada

• Proposed there are four types of atoms: Prithvi (earth), Apas (water), Tejas (fire), Vayu (air).
• Akasha (space) is also a fundamental concept.
• Early concepts of atomic theory align with modern subatomic particles.

Influence on Modern Science

• Vivekananda and Nikola Tesla:
  • Suggested matter-energy conversion; inspired Tesla.
  • Possible influence on Einstein’s theory of relativity.
• Quantum Mechanics:
  • Erwin Schrödinger’s ideas inspired by Indian philosophy.

Laws of Motion in Vaisheshika

• Analogous to Newton’s Laws of Motion:
  • Gravity, motion continuance, and action-reaction concepts.
• Indian tradition has significant contributions to foundational physics concepts.

The Crisis in Modern Physics

• Current physical laws cannot explain cosmology.
• Theory of Dark Matter and Dark Energy.
• Vaisheshika might provide insights into observer interactions with reality.

Consciousness and Science

• Consciousness as a frontier in science:
  • Physics, computer science, neuroscience fields.
  • Quantum mechanics and observer concept.
• Distinction between outer sciences (Apara Vidya) and inner sciences (Para Vidya).

Conclusion

• Indian sciences can play a vital role in evolving global scientific understanding.
• Encouragement to explore Vaisheshika for deeper insights into unresolved scientific challenges.
• Importance of being ambassadors of Indian scientific wisdom.