It is possible to keep in touch with one’s spiritual side while taking part in today’s scientific advancements. At least that is the new way of thinking explained in physics Professor Amit Goswami’s latest book, which he will discuss today at 7:30 p.m. in the Browsing Room of the University’s Knight Library. “The Visionary Window: A Quantum Physicist’s Guide to Enlightenment” explains how separate ideas behind science and spirituality actually relate.
The discussion is sponsored by the University Bookstore.
Goswami, who has written several other books, including “The Self-Aware Universe: How Consciousness Creates the Material World,” said that today’s scientific thinking often means believing that spiritual ideas, such as God, cannot exist. He said this is often a dilemma for spiritual people who also enjoy science.
“Up until now, people have been very divided,” he said. “They want to believe in science, but many can’t help but believe in their spirituality, too.”
Goswami said his book explores a variety of ways the two disciplines affect each other, such as how consciousness creates biological order and how the body acts as a creative being. The book also looks into issues surrounding how to integrate science and spirituality, such as the idea of whether or not science should replace religion.
“Science tells us spirituality is wrong,” he said. “But most people like to go to church and have religious experiences.”
Goswami said the integration of science and spirituality can help people understand the theory of evolution.
“Usually people think we have solved the problem of evolution,” he said. “In truth, biologists are not sure if we have answered all the questions.”
Because God may have intervened in the process of evolution, it’s important to understand both, he said.
“Both sides have to equal each other to better understand these phenomena,” he said.
Tom Gerald, author events coordinator at the University Bookstore, said the store tries to support faculty members’ writings as much as possible. He said he has particularly enjoyed working with Goswami to set up tonight’s event.
“He’s dealing with some heavy topics and presents them all so well,” he said.
Gerald, who is familiar with some of Goswami’s other writings, said the author is enjoyable to hear, although the material may be complicated.
“I don’t read a lot in this area, so to hear someone who understands as intimately as he does is wonderful,” he said.
Dietrich Belitz, physics professor and department head, said he’s delighted when a faculty member writes a book. He said unlike other fields, where book writing is common among faculty members, physics professors often write technical articles for scholarly journals instead of books.
“It’s nice to see our faculty being engaged in scholarly activities,” he said. “It’s good for the department and good for the University.”
Physics professor to share his vision
Daily Emerald
June 4, 2001
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