Evolution of matter vs Evolution of Species

[Guest guest]

Dear Bahagavatas,

 

Quite recently, my brother, who is going to be 15 tomorrow, asked me if I

to Darwin*s Theory of Evolution; if not, why? I am posting my

response as I thought it may be of interest to bhagavatas who have young

siblings or children. This topic was discussed in May 1999 (please refer to

archives for details.)

 

Response:

 

There is no theory that is devoid of premise; given this, we can conclude that

there is no such thing as a theory devoid of belief (the beliefs must be

rational however in that they must not contradict common experience.) The

fundamental premise, that should be the substratum of every systematic rational

theory, relates to the sources of knowledge that a theory accepts as valid.

Vedanta (Vis*istAdvaita) accepts three, perception, inference, and verbal

testimony (two types empirical and scripture which is non empirical.)

Perception is only source of valid knowledge accepted by Darwin*s theory. The

two theories approach the issue from different points of view and draw different

conclusions, as such there is no possibility for reconciliation. Note the

empiricist approach involved drawing conclusions based on inferences from direct

observation, as such it is an only a conjecture and not an irrefutable argument.

Darwin*s theory is simply a theory; one can disagree with it o!

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n a rational basis; it is not like an axiom of perception that is irrefutable.

 

For the Orthodox Vedanta schools, in matters beyond the realm of senses,

scripture has ultimate authority. Evolution is not totally within the realm of

perception as such scripture has ultimate authority. The manu smriti (Which is

accepted by Vis*istAdvaita Vedanta schools as being as authoritative as the

vedas) does not support the support the notion of evolution of species. *Men

are free from disease, accomplish all their aims, and live four hundred years in

the Krita age, but in the Treta and (in each of) the succeeding (ages) their

life is lessened by one

quarter.* Thus, the orthodox schools of Vedanata cannot accept Darwin*s theory

of evolution of species as it is opposed to scripture in a matter that is beyond

the realm of perception; these schools accept the Vedantic theory of evolution

of matter from subtle to manifest state instead.

 

I like the idealism of the orthodox Vedanta, as such I do not prescribe Darwin*s

evolution of species. I also believe in accepting something in its entirety and

am opposed to eclecticism, as such I accept the orthodox Vedantic description of

reality in its entirety. As the third sutra in the Vedantasutra states

*s*Astra yonitvAt.* This sutra is stated in the section that talks about the

proof of the existence of Brahman; however the sutra applies in general to all

matters beyond the realm of perception.

 

Ramanuja dasan,

Venkat

KrishNarpaNam