Author: Gayatri Devi Vasudev

Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers

Binding: Paperback

Details: 

**_Astrology and the Hoax of Scientific Temper_** by **Gayatri Devi Vasudev** is a thought-provoking work that explores the ongoing debate between astrology and the scientific community. The book, written in English, presents an argument about the role of astrology in modern society, its legitimacy, and the skepticism it faces from proponents of the scientific method. Through this work, Vasudev delves into the tension between traditional spiritual sciences and the rise of empirical science, while questioning the narrow view of **scientific temper** that often dismisses astrology.

### **Overview of the Book:**

**_Astrology and the Hoax of Scientific Temper_** challenges the notion that astrology is pseudoscientific or unsubstantiated by facts. Gayatri Devi Vasudev critiques the **"scientific temper"** that has often been used to discredit astrology, portraying this as a form of ideological dogmatism. She defends astrology as a time-honored tradition with its own set of principles, methods, and insights into human nature and the universe.

### **Key Themes and Concepts Likely Explored in the Book:**

### **1. The Clash Between Astrology and Scientific Temper**
   - **Scientific Temper and Its Limitations**: One of the central themes of the book is an examination of the concept of "scientific temper" as it is understood in modern times. Scientific temper refers to an attitude of critical thinking, rationality, and reliance on empirical evidence, but in this context, Vasudev critiques how it is sometimes applied in a dismissive and one-sided manner. 
   - **Astrology as a Science**: Vasudev argues that astrology is not merely a superstitious practice but a **systematic science** with a rich history, complex methods, and a body of knowledge. She likely compares astrology to other ancient sciences such as medicine (Ayurveda), mathematics, or astronomy, which were once seen as mystical but are now accepted in modern times as legitimate sciences.
   - **Scientific Bias and Skepticism**: The author discusses the **scientific community's skepticism** of astrology, arguing that the dismissal of astrology as a "pseudo-science" is often rooted in bias rather than objective evidence. She may point out that astrology has been practiced for thousands of years across cultures and has a significant body of practitioners who offer evidence of its accuracy and efficacy.

### **2. The Historical Significance of Astrology**
   - **Astrology in Ancient Civilizations**: The book may explore the long and rich history of astrology, showing that it was deeply intertwined with ancient civilizations. From the **Mesopotamians**, **Greeks**, **Romans**, to **Vedic astrology** in India, astrology has been central to the spiritual, cultural, and scientific understanding of life, time, and the universe.
   - **Astrology’s Role in Modern Science**: Vasudev could delve into the influence astrology had on the development of modern science, particularly in the early days of astronomy, where figures like **Galileo**, **Kepler**, and **Copernicus** were simultaneously astrologers and astronomers. This historical perspective challenges the idea that astrology and science are incompatible fields.

### **3. The Principles and Methodology of Astrology**
   - **Astrology as a Systematic Science**: The book would likely explain the principles of astrology, including how it uses planetary movements, **zodiac signs**, **houses**, **Nakshatras** (lunar constellations), and **dashas** (planetary periods) to make predictions and offer insights into human affairs. Vasudev emphasizes that astrology operates within a structured system that follows its own set of rules, similar to other scientific disciplines.
   - **Correlation vs. Causation**: A major debate in astrology revolves around whether its predictions are truly causative or if they are simply correlational. The book might address this issue, defending astrology’s ability to correlate celestial events with human affairs and highlighting how astrology looks at larger cosmic patterns rather than trying to explain individual causality in the way physics does.
   - **Skepticism of Astrology's Mechanism**: While Vasudev defends astrology’s effectiveness, she also may point out that the "scientific" attempts to explain astrology in mechanical or empirical terms often miss the point of its holistic, metaphysical nature. Astrology doesn’t claim to follow the exact same methodologies as modern scientific disciplines, and this could be an aspect of its criticism from the scientific community.

### **4. The Psychological and Spiritual Impact of Astrology**
   - **Astrology as a Tool for Self-Knowledge**: One of the major uses of astrology is its ability to offer insight into **self-awareness**. Vasudev may discuss how astrology helps individuals better understand their personality, behavior, strengths, weaknesses, and life purpose. This aspect ties into the spiritual dimensions of astrology, which deals with karma, fate, and cosmic alignment.
   - **Astrology and Human Experience**: The book would explore the therapeutic and psychological benefits of astrology, such as how it provides clarity during life transitions, offers advice on relationships, career, and health, and how it serves as a tool for **psychological growth**. In this context, astrology is seen not just as a predictive tool, but as a **holistic guide** for personal development.

### **5. Astrology and Empirical Science: Finding Common Ground**
   - **Astrology's Relevance in the Modern World**: Vasudev could argue that astrology still holds relevance in the modern world because it provides a **unique perspective** on the connection between cosmic forces and human affairs. This could serve as a contrast to the purely materialistic worldview of modern science.
   - **The Intersection of Spirituality and Science**: The book might propose that **astrology** and **science** can coexist, particularly when both are seen as complementary in their approaches to understanding life. While science examines the material world and the physical universe, astrology deals with the metaphysical aspects of existence, offering a **more holistic understanding** of the universe and human life.
   
### **6. The Role of Scientific Skepticism in Society**
   - **Challenging Dogmatism**: One of the most profound messages of the book could be a challenge to **scientific dogmatism**. Vasudev critiques the attitude that science holds the ultimate truth and dismisses alternative ways of knowing. She may call for a more open-minded approach where different fields, including astrology, are studied without prejudice, and their contributions to human knowledge are respected.
   - **The Importance of Intellectual Pluralism**: Vasudev may argue that intellectual growth comes from an **open exchange of ideas**, and astrology should not be dismissed simply because it doesn't fit within the framework of contemporary science. She may stress the importance of intellectual **pluralism**, where various systems of thought are allowed to coexist and be explored.

### **7. Conclusion: Reclaiming Astrology's Dignity**
   - **Astrology's Place in the Modern World**: The book likely ends with a call to reclaim the **dignity of astrology** as a legitimate and valuable discipline. Vasudev advocates for a more inclusive approach to knowledge that recognizes astrology’s spiritual and psychological dimensions. 
   - **Astrology as a Mirror of Human Life**: In the final analysis, Vasudev might highlight astrology’s role in helping individuals understand the deeper patterns of life and existence, giving them the tools to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and achieve greater self-realization.

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### **Conclusion:**
**_Astrology and the Hoax of Scientific Temper_** by **Gayatri Devi Vasudev** is an eloquent critique of the modern scientific community's dismissal of astrology. The book emphasizes astrology’s rich history, systematic methodology, and its relevance as a spiritual and psychological tool in modern life. Vasudev challenges the narrow view of scientific temper that refuses to consider astrology as anything more than a pseudoscience and advocates for a more holistic, open-minded view of knowledge.

This work is ideal for readers who are interested in the intersection of astrology, science, and philosophy, particularly those who wish to understand the significance of astrology beyond the confines of mainstream scientific discourse. It provides both intellectual and emotional insights into astrology's place in the contemporary world, advocating for a broader understanding of knowledge and the universe.

Number Of Pages: 348

Release Date: 16-05-2022

EAN: 9788194930211

Package Dimensions: 7.0 x 5.0 x 0.7 inches

Languages: English