Śvetaśvajñata, Padārthadharmasaṅgrahaḥ and Quantum Reality: Contextuality in the Dialogue between Holism and Reductionism

Abstract

Reductionism and holism have delineated the contours of rational empiricism and its interpretations, in physicalist ontology and epistemologies of veracity, over millennia. This study explores their contextual applicability, observing empirical manifestations, in questions around non-classical separability in Quantum Mechanics and contextual applicability of the absolutist/relativist elements based on coupling constants and the Dilaton field in String Theory, before investigating disparate Indian Knowledge systems, particularly the Padārthadharmasaṅgrahaḥ of Praśastapāda, wherein the dynamic relationship between generalities and individualities is notable. Introducing the concept of Śvetaśvajñata, this paper proposes a novel paradigm that resolves the interplay of reductionism and holism using integrative reflexivity. Through resonances between Indian Knowledge traditions and contemporary science, an equilibrium between holism and reductionism is established, emphasizing contextuality and reflexivity as fundamental principles in this regard.