Towards a convergence of contemplative and scientific methods for social sciences and public policy

Singh, Naresh and Patra, Sudip (2024) Towards a convergence of contemplative and scientific methods for social sciences and public policy. In: The Routledge handbook of research methods in spirituality and contemplative studies. Routledge, London. ISBN 9781032377278 (In Press)

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Abstract

The key foundational propositions in this chapter are that the world is ontologically relational, and the weaknesses of the dominant reductionist deterministic and transactional worldview need to be addressed.This leads to the presuppositions of non-duality, interconnectedness, oneness, illusion of separation of one another and from nature, and co-creation of reality as it is observed. These foundational propositions are the basis of both the newer sciences of quantum social science, cognitive neuroscience, complexity theory, and contemplative practices like vipassana, mindfulness, the direct path of Advaita Vedanta, the inner development goals and applied spirituality. Based on these foundational principles, we lay down briefly central tenets which play roles of basic elements in our methodological section. The central importance of “self” and consequently of individualism in Western science and civilisation is in direct contrast to the lack of “self” in Eastern philosophical traditions like Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta. Indeed, self as ego is seen in these latter traditions as a fiction and the source of much suffering both individually and collectively as reflected, for example, in the challenges of sustainable development expressed in the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Item Type: Book Section
Subjects: Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Social Sciences (General)
JGU School/Centre: Jindal School of Government and Public Policy
Jindal Global Business School
Depositing User: Subhajit Bhattacharjee
Date Deposited: 15 Jul 2024 05:05
Last Modified: 15 Jul 2024 06:14
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003341598-40
URI: https://pure.jgu.edu.in/id/eprint/8086

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