The Scientization and Academization of Jainism

Abstract

This article introduces the terms scientization and academization and applies them to Jainism. Scientization denotes processes by which proponents of a religion appeal to modern science, and I distinguish between four types of appeals. Academization points to processes by which proponents of a religion establish institutions and practices modeled on mainstream academia, actively use markers of such institutions, create ties with mainstream academic institutions and their scholars, and invite academic appraisals of their religion. Scientization and academization thus provide resources to explore, reformulate, and express one's religion. Tracing these developments back to the colonial era, I argue that the scientization and academization of Jainism entail changes in doctrines, religious life, and historical self-understanding. While some advocates of scientization and academization challenge traditional authorities, appeals to science and academia are also used to defend traditional views where the authority of science is paradoxically challenged by references to science or academia.