The nature of light in Indian epistemology

Subhash Kak

doi:10.1117/12.895338

28 September 2011 The nature of light in Indian epistemology

Subhash Kak

Proceedings Volume 8121, The Nature of Light: What are Photons? IV; 81211G (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.895338
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Indian epistemology is of interest to the physicist for its framework of reality includes observers in a fundamental manner. The nature of light in this epistemology is presented with a background on the principal ideas related to space, time and matter. In the Indian physics tradition of Vaiseshika, observables arise as a consequence of motion of which two kinds, intrinsic and extrinsic, are postulated. The atom in itself is not observable for it is taken to be an abstraction with a potential to acquire various attributes based on multiplied arrangements and vibrations. Other Indian approaches to epistemology privilege the subject over matter. In contrast to Western approaches where it is an epiphenomenon, consciousness is taken to have a real existence.

Citation Download Citation

Subhash Kak "The nature of light in Indian epistemology", Proc. SPIE 8121, The Nature of Light: What are Photons? IV, 81211G (28 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.895338

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