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2 reviews for:
The Case for Reason: Volume One: Understanding the Anti-superstition Movement
Narendra Dabholkar, Suman Oak
4.0 AVERAGE
2 reviews for:
The Case for Reason: Volume One: Understanding the Anti-superstition Movement
Narendra Dabholkar, Suman Oak
4.0 AVERAGE
alok_pandey's review
3.0
Dr. Narendra Dabholkar was an Indian physician, social activist, rationalist and author from Maharashtra, India. In this first volume of his 2-volume magnum opus, he focusses on his work through the society he ran, Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ANiS), particularly related to superstitions such as black magic, etc.
A staunch rationalist in his outlook, who swore by the fundamental duty to promote scientific outlook as enshrined in the Indian constitution, he explains the prevalent malpractices mostly in rural Maharashtra and his tireless efforts to challenge them and educate people of the same.
What I liked about his approach is that his opposition and criticism was not shallow. Before going against something, Dr. Dabholkar appeared to have put in efforts to understand what it was, and then tested its core tenets in his own scientific barometer.
I can't say that I agreed with him on all his reasonings or the thought-process he undertook to reach the inferences, particularly on the relevance/importance of faith and spirituality, but there is no doubt in my mind that he would have been a phenomenally interesting individual to discuss such complex yet interesting topics over a cup of tea.
The book is neatly divided into small chapters each dealing with a particular theme, and makes for a lucid read.
A staunch rationalist in his outlook, who swore by the fundamental duty to promote scientific outlook as enshrined in the Indian constitution, he explains the prevalent malpractices mostly in rural Maharashtra and his tireless efforts to challenge them and educate people of the same.
What I liked about his approach is that his opposition and criticism was not shallow. Before going against something, Dr. Dabholkar appeared to have put in efforts to understand what it was, and then tested its core tenets in his own scientific barometer.
I can't say that I agreed with him on all his reasonings or the thought-process he undertook to reach the inferences, particularly on the relevance/importance of faith and spirituality, but there is no doubt in my mind that he would have been a phenomenally interesting individual to discuss such complex yet interesting topics over a cup of tea.
The book is neatly divided into small chapters each dealing with a particular theme, and makes for a lucid read.
torvosaur's review
5.0
Made me lose faith in humanity because I did not know people believed such dumb shit. Lost even more faith when I found that he was killed for opposing utterly pseudo-scientific and empty rituals.
But I am thankful he fought the fight he did. Even if a dozen people stopped believing this nonsense because of him, he has done a great service upon our nation.
But I am thankful he fought the fight he did. Even if a dozen people stopped believing this nonsense because of him, he has done a great service upon our nation.