Tradition, Progress, and Contemporary Indian Philosophy

Abstract

his theories are related to the ancient scientific traditions of his country. This is no doubt true partly because of the peculiar nature of scientific theories, but the more important reason for it is that the scientific heritage of India is not very rich. On the other hand, the situation is very much different in the case of philosophical studies. India has an immensely rich philosophical tradition, the value of which has been recognized by both Eastern and Western scholars. Further, a philosophical theory does not admit of as conclusive a refutation as a scientific one does. Therefore, the importance of the past is much greater in philosophy than in science. It is not at all safe to say of any philosophical theory, propounded even in the remotest past, that it has been completely negated by some succeeding theory or theories. Even those theories which have passed into oblivion, or which today seem to be of no great significance, may someday become very important or be found to contain hitherto unnoticed meanings. Therefore, it is quite understandable if the contemporary Indian philosopher is much more respectful toward India's philosophical traditions than is the modem Indian scientist toward its scientific traditions.