Chapter – 4

The Much Necessary Cognitive Shift

– Part 2

Making Sense of the World

Glimpses of glorious India

Amrita School of Engineering
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

By
Shakunthala
EEE department
 Chapter 4
The Much Necessary Cognitive Shift –
Part 2
Making Sense of the World
 In the last chapter, we discussed how our internal thoughts and background
influence our perception of the world.
Different civilizations have their own ways of understanding reality. Now, let's
Introduction look at how Western and Eastern views of reality differ and why background
matters.
Let's compare how Western and Eastern views differ and why our backgrounds
are important. Understanding these differences helps us tackle global problems
better. It shows the importance of considering various perspectives for finding
lasting solutions.
Current Global Issues

• Climate Change.
• Wars and military conflicts.
• Water contamination.
• Human rights violation.
• Global health issues.
• Global poverty.
• Children's poor access to
healthcare, education and safety.
• Access to food and hunger.
The Western
View of Reality
Western views on reality are based on
Enlightenment(explanations) ideas from
the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Enlightenment, a European

movement in the 17th and 18th
centuries,
this movement disregarded (ignored)
traditional beliefs by encouraging for
reason, practical experience, and
scientific inquiry.

It suggested separating spirituality from

government and reducing religious
influence.
**Metaphysics, a branch of philosophy,
explores fundamental concepts like
existence, knowledge, identity, time, and
space.
Science and Religion during 17th century
The heliocentric model of the Solar System was generally
rejected by the ancient philosophers : If the Earth is
rotating about its axis, and orbiting around the Sun, then
the Earth must be in motion. However, we cannot ``feel''
this motion.
However, the Church disapproved of this theory because
the Holy Scriptures state that the Earth is at the center,
not the Sun.
This created an ongoing controversy between science and
religion.
Giordano Bruno (1548–1600) was an Italian scientist and
philosopher who supported the idea that the Sun, not the
Earth, was at the center of the universe. He also believed
in the existence of many other inhabited worlds in an
infinite universe, contrary to the teachings of the church.
It's still widely believed Giordano Bruno was burnt for
holding that view, 33 years before Galileo withdrew.
 Science and Religion during 17th
century
In the 17th century, there was a conflict between scientists and
church philosophers primarily because of differing views on the
nature of the universe and the methods of understanding it.
During the Scientific Revolution, people's understanding of the
natural world changed a lot. Scientists like Galileo Galilei and
Johannes Kepler made important discoveries that went against what
the Church believed about the universe. For instance, they backed
Copernicus' idea that the Sun, not the Earth, was at the center of the
solar system, which went against the Church's belief that the Earth
was the center.

Religious Dogma: The Catholic Church had a lot of control over

society and what people believed. It usually stuck to old
interpretations of scripture, which clashed with new scientific ideas.
The Church's leaders saw these new discoveries as challenges to
their power and the way things were understood.

Fear of Heresy: The Church worried that new scientific ideas might
weaken its control and cause people to question religious beliefs.
So, Scientists who challenged and who questioned traditional
views often faced punishment.
The Western View of
Reality……..
Today, Western metaphysics mainly focus on
materialism, considering the physical world as the
ultimate reality.
It stresses understanding nature and human
behavior through observation and inquiry, rejecting
supernatural or different states of consciousness.
Time is viewed linearly, from past to future,
promoting a culture of continuous achievements
and advancements in technology and economy,
often at the expense of other aspects of life.
** The main difference is that Western metaphysics
tends to hold to dualism, while Eastern metaphysics
centers on monism.
Monism denies any distinction between the physical
world and the unseen world. Instead, everything is one.
An excellent example of monism is the Eastern concept
of Brahman.
 The Western view of reality relies on human logic and observation,
rather than religious or metaphysical beliefs, to gain knowledge about
The Western View of the world.
Reality…….. It values individualism(egoism, distinctiveness, selfishness), ,
independence, uniqueness, and pursuing personal goals for happiness.
 The Western View of
Reality……..

▪ Western thought studies objects

and their behaviors with fixed
laws, often in a linear way
(straightforward manner), using
formal logic to understand events.
▪ It supports secularism, aiming for
societal progress through reason,
principles, and individual rights
rather than religious beliefs.
▪ Recently, people are recognizing
that humans are also emotional
beings, leading to new fields like
behavioral economics and
advanced neuroscience.
 The Western View of Reality……..
**Linear universal laws- Linear universal laws
are simple, predictable rules that operate
straightforwardly.
They indicate a direct cause-and-effect
relationship, where the outcome is directly
proportional to the input or condition.
**Secularism - supports freedom of religion
and belief, encouraging that the state should
treat all religious groups equally, without
favoritism or discrimination.
**Theological beliefs - refer to religious
principles, or ideas pertaining to the existence
of God.
**Behavioral economics combines psychology
and economics to examine how people make
decisions.

**Advanced neuroscience - Advanced

neuroscience studies complex brain processes
like thinking, feeling, sensing, and acting,
helping to understand and treat neurological
disorders.
The Western View of Reality……..

Western understanding of reality is seen as purely materialistic, with everything made

of physical matter.
Dualism separates the mind from the body, suggesting consciousness comes from
brain activity. This viewpoint is anthropocentric, placing humans at the center as the
highest level of creation.
[Science relies on observation and reasoning to gain knowledge of the reality, while
Eastern view suggests access to deeper knowledge is beyond observation and
reasoning]
Indian View of Reality
Asian thought prioritizes a holistic approach,
valuing experiential knowledge over formal logic
and emphasizing "unity in vision" over analyzing
individual units.

Consciousness is central in the Indic worldview,

connecting and supporting all aspects of
existence like an invisible network.

It is like the underlying fabric of reality, or the

invisible threads that hold everything together.
Though not always directly perceived or
understood, it profoundly influences the world and
our perception of it. In Sanātana Dharma
philosophies, it's called Brahmaṇ and Puruṣa.
Indian View of Consciousness is like the underlying
fabric of reality, or the invisible
Reality…… threads that hold everything together.
 Indian View of Reality…….

In the school of Advaita Vedānta, which is

one of the six schools of Indian philosophy
and psychology, there are two fundamental
principles of cognition -
1. There is a Reality which is
Consciousness-as-such, which is my true
nature but is obscured(covered).
2. ‘Avidya’ is a fundamental cognitive error
that veils my understanding of reality and
projects an illusion as reality (Rao &
Paranjpe, 2016).
Indian View of
Reality…….

In modern psychology, a
person's self or identity is seen
as vital, shaping their
personality.

It's influenced by unmet

desires, social norms, and
expectations, often causing a
sense of disconnections from
the world.
 Indian View of Reality…….

In the Indic worldview, there are

three aspects to the self.
1. The Ego Identity (Jiva)
2. The Witness (Atman)
3. The Home or Abode (Brahman)

Atma means soul of a body. Jeevatma

means physical body. Paramatma means
God.
Indian View
of Reality…….
The individual self, known as the
Jiva, is linked to the body and
mind's experiences. It moves
through different lifetimes,
spaces, and bodies, ultimately
merging into an
incomprehensible state called
Consciousness-as-such.
The Jiva acts, experiences, and
understands, with the willpower
and creative intent to pursue its
objectives.
(Rao & Paranjpe, 2016, pg 168-171).
Indian View of Reality…….
Our actions, known as 'karma', leave a
lasting effect on us, even if we don't notice
it immediately.
These actions create impressions on our
unconscious mind, which can influence
our thoughts and behaviors, often as
desires.
This connects to the belief that we keep
returning across lifetimes to fulfill these
desires.
Our actions have consequences that extend
beyond our current lives, so we must be
mindful of their impact.
This stresses the importance of living
consciously and intentionally, considering
the long-term effects of our actions.
Indian View of
Reality…….
Indian culture values self-reflection and
personal growth. It urges individuals to
regularly assess their thoughts, feelings, and
actions to recognize and let go of negative
patterns or habits.
This concept is not only highlighted in
philosophy and spiritual practices but is
also ingrained in daily rituals and customs.
Whether through simple acts of mindfulness
or larger spiritual practices, the aim is to
develop a deeper awareness and
understanding of oneself, which can aid in
breaking free from harmful patterns and
behaviors.
Indian View of
Reality…….
The second key aspect of the Self is
known as the Ātman.
It can be seen as a non-physical,
observing entity beyond the knower
and the enjoyed, enabling these
processes.
It's the witnessing Self, or the Sākṣī,
essentially Brahmaṇ or
Consciousness-as-such.
In this pure state, absolute truth can
be accessed. Brahmaṇ is then the
third and final aspect of the Self, the
Jiva's home.
Indian View of Reality…….
What sets this worldview apart
is that when individuals refine
their awareness and personal
growth, it benefits the collective
society or nation.
According to Triandis (1990),
collectivist cultures prioritize
dependence, conformity, group
goals, duties, and long-term
thinking.
The Indic worldview, based on
the belief in Consciousness-as-
such in all life forms, promotes
values such as unity, empathy,
and selfless service, known as
seva.
 Our society is built on fulfilling duties rather than focusing solely on
individual rights. If we fulfill our duties respectfully, our rights are
automatically protected.
Indian View of This principle is advocated and upheld by Dharma. Indian civilization
Reality……. has a long-term framework that influences all social institutions, guided
by the Puruṣārthas, or four life goals.
The main goal is Dharma, which supports other pursuits. It adapts to
society's needs, aiming for prosperity and the highest good at its core.
 Indian View of Reality…….

A Dhārmika worldview doesn't harm others.

It aims for harmony, well-being, order, and
sustainability.
Dharma involves both social ethics, guiding
one's duties to the world, and fulfilling one's
own innate purpose in life.
Sanatana Dharma acknowledges that
humans are complex beings needing
intellectual stimulation, emotional support,
creative outlets, physical sustenance, and
above all he needs spiritual upliftment and a
means to find the Ultimate Truth.
Indian View of
Reality…….

Artha involves acquiring goods for

personal and collective
satisfaction, following the
principles of Dharma.
Kāma is the pursuit of pleasures
and desires, also within the
framework of Dharma.
Consider the values and lifestyle
guidelines at each stage to see
how restraint and free will coexist
in this society.
Eternal freedom from sorrow

Mokṣa, or self-evolution, quietly

calls to us while we pursue Artha
and Kāma.
The concept of a higher goal, a
bigger vision, and greater freedom
to experience elevated states of
consciousness is woven into the
daily life of people in the Indic
civilization.

Moksha, in Sanskrit, signifies

absolute freedom (liberation) from
all misery, and the attainment of
eternal bliss – i.e. pure,
unfragmented happiness and peace.
Eternal freedom from sorrow.
Comparison and Analysis
Now that we've looked at Western
and Indian views of reality, let's
compare them.
Western thinking tends to focus on
the material world, seeing it as the
only reality, and understanding it
through studying matter and its
interactions.
Time is seen as linear, encouraging
a culture that prioritizes progress
and technology. However, this
emphasis might neglect other
important values like sustainability,
preserving nature, and the well-
being of people and communities.
 Physics studies the physical world through
Difference between observation and experiments, while
physics and metaphysics delves into questions about the
metaphysics nature of reality beyond what can be observed.
Comparison and
Analysis…….
This viewpoint tends to simplify reality, often
overlooking spirituality or anything beyond the physical.
It highly values scientific and technological progress,
sometimes at the expense of other important aspects of
life.
This is seen in the rapid growth of technology and AI,
which can be both helpful and harmful. Some
Western ideas, like the belief in complete control over
nature, are still influenced by theological views.

[The term "double-edged sword" has been used often to

describe technology, as it can be both helpful and
harmful to students. Technology can help students learn
more effectively.]
 Artificial Intelligence (AI) is
like a double-edged sword in
the digital world.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a dual nature in

the digital realm. It can serve as a powerful
tool for both defending against cyber threats
and launching attacks. While it holds promise
for growth, it also presents significant risks.

In terms of threat detection and response, AI is

essential for identifying and minimizing cyber
threats. However, on the darker side, AI can be
exploited in cyberattacks.

Cybercriminals can use AI to produce fake or

altered images, videos, audio, or text to
deceive users. They can also personalize
phishing messages or create counterfeit
websites to bypass traditional security
measures.
Moreover, AI-powered security systems can be
manipulated by adversarial attacks or used to
develop new forms of malware.
 Comparison and
Analysis…….
In India, the Upaniṣads teach that humans
are deeply connected to all living and
non-living things.
They stress that consciousness exists in
everything, from the simplest to the most
complex forms of life.
We are seen as a manifestation of this
same conscious principle, an expression
of nature's creative power.

This understanding leads us to coexist

with and revere the processes of nature as
sacred. Prakṛti, which means "the source
of creation" in Sanskrit, is worshipped as
a deity.
Comparison and
Analysis…….
In India, nature, known as Prakṛti, is
deeply respected as the creator and is
worshipped like a deity. Each part of
nature is linked to a powerful deity
since ancient times.

People have a mutual relationship with

nature, which maintains the balance of
the universe. We see ourselves as
caretakers, not owners, of nature,
considering it our sacred duty in our
culture.
 Culture plays a role in preserving nature. In India, festivals like
Saṅkrānti or Pongal honor deities who sustain cosmic cycles
benefiting the Earth.
Comparison and Traditional village lifestyles in India have maintained self-
Analysis……. sustainability and a harmonious connection with nature.
Embracing a Dhārmika understanding of nature, based on
sacred ecology and deep reverence, might be the best
approach for sustainability discussions today.
They absorb around 40 percent of the carbon dioxide
produced globally each year. Whales also store carbon in
their massive body, which eventually sinks to the seafloor
when they die.—

It's important to understand Western perspectives on reality

because post-colonial education and politics in India often adopt
these ideas, moving us away from our own traditions and favoring a Comparison and
different knowledge system in national and global governance. Analysis…….
Do we have a lasting worldview that prompts us to evaluate the
current system and offer sustainable solutions to global issues? It's
time to focus inward, towards the land of Bhāratavarṣa.
 Conclusion
In summary, we discussed how our
perception and thinking function, noting that
a shift in mindset leads us to reevaluate our
life experiences with new insights. In times of
global crisis, it's important to challenge the
current worldview and compare it with
ancient perspectives.
We propose that Sānatana Dharma provides
solutions to complex global issues through
its core principles and cultural traditions. It
might be time to reassess our ideas of
happiness and relationships, prioritizing
purpose and harmony.
 लोकः समस्तः सुखिनो भवन््ु

Namah Shivaya