Dialectical Synthesis’: An inquiry into the Habermasian Paradigm of Legitimate Knowledge

Dr.R.Murali
Head
Department of Philosophy and Center for Philosophical Research
The Madura College(Autonomous), Madurai-625011

Habermas challenged positivistically minded philosophers of science who explicitly or implicitly presupposed that the empirical analytical sciences provide the model for all legitimate knowledge and dismissed all other claim to knowledge as pseudo knowledge. Habermas distinguished three non reducible quasi transcendental cognitive interests. They are the technical, the practical, and the emancipatory. Each of these cognitive interests is itself rooted in historical rationalization. The empirical analytic sciences incorporates a technical cognitive interest that of historical hermeneutic sciences incorporates a practical one, the approach of critically oriented sciences incorporates the emancipatory cognitive interest. The critical social sciences dispel the positivist illusion of disinterestedness and unmask the ideological interests at work. A critical social science is a dialectical synthesis of empirical analytic ad historical hermeneutical disciplines. It goes beyond one sided approaches. The repeatability in natural science is questioned by Habermas. So he wanted a knowledge which is technically useful and morally binding, not only morally binding but also morally liberating. Habermas insists that a critical social science guided by an emancipatory interest is necessary for guaranteeing the objectivity.

MADURA COLLEGE PHILOSOPHY OLD STUDENTS

Yoga Research Centre Madura College enters MOU with Cohen Foundation USA

Yoga Research Centre
Department of Philosophy
The Madura College (Autonomous)
Madurai-625011

Yoga: Global Reach Programme
___________________________________________________________
• Signing of MOU
• Releasing Yoga Psychology Journal ( International)
• Distribution of Certificates
______________________________________________________________

5th January 2010 - 11 am
Venue: Philosophy Hall

Chair Person : Dr.T.V.Krishnamoorthy
Principal
The Madura College

Welcome Address : Dr.M.Sugumaran
Director, Yoga Research Centre

Introducing the MOU : Dr.R.Murali
Head, Dept. of Philosophy

Signing MOU &
Chief Guest Address : Dr. Andrew I.Cohen, M.D (Cardiology)
President
Cohen Foundation, Denver, Colorado, USA.

Introducing the Journal : Dr.V.Saravanan,Yoga Therapist,
Madura College

Releasing International
Journal on Yoga Psychology : Ms. Ingrid Vanherpe,
Director, Tureya Foundation
Belgium


Distribution of Certificates : Sri.M.S.Meeakshisundaram
Secretary, Madura College Board

Felicitations : Dr.Chris Mc Kee, Psychologist, Australia

Vote of Thanks : Mr.Adam.M.Cohen, USA
Editor- Yoga Psychology
Journal


The Cohen Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the evolvement of education and the academic process. The association is actively involved in community development and educational reformation by providing support, resources, training, courses, programs, academic models, and academic curricula for schools and academic institutions. As part of its’ main vision for community and the educational process, Cohen Foundation is distributing materials to schools, teacher, parents, administrators, school owners, community leaders, tutors, and advocates who are committed to quality education and child development. All materials are provided free of cost in order to help promote equal opportunity for all social, economic, and regional classes of academic societies.

Tureya Ashram
Founded from the wisdom of ancient India, Tureya Ashram is a place for awakening and experiencing the higher truths of life and living. The Ashram is a tranquil environment and a place of inspiration for rapid physical, mental, and spiritual growth. The yoga which is offered from Tureya Ashram is a synthesis of many systems which aid in personal development and are based on the traditional practices outlined by the Vedas, Tantric Sutras, and other yogic principles. The practices are also integrated with the teachings of modern mental and physical medical science. In doing so we are helping expand the reach of the traditional Indian practices to the modern world.
Located in the hills of Kodaikanal, the Ashram is a refuge to all: the doors are equally open to Indians and foreigners from all parts of the world. The ashram is located amongst natural springs and beautiful forests making it an ideal setting for inner growth and spiritual transformation.


Yoga Research Centre
The Madura College
The Yoga Research Centre is part of the Department of Philosophy of the Madura College which conducts regular Yogaasana training programmes to public. Besides, it conducts two certificate programmes on Yoga. It has released an audio CD named "Yoga Nidra" and a book on "Yoga Therapy". Research on the effectiveness of Yoga has been carried out in consultation with medical experts.

About MOU
The purpose of this MOU is to create a framework of cooperation between the Cohen Foundation , the Yoga Research Centre- the Madura College and the Tureya Foundation to collaborate on mutually beneficial programs and research including the design of new methods, evaluation techniques, curriculums, and academic courses on Yoga. Together the organizations will also work in providing and receiving collaborative technical assistance and activities to promote community development

Classical Indian Philosophy and Postmodern Challenges

The Classical Indian Philosophy which has been deeply rooted in the classical texts and primarily projecting on a kind of self liberation thesis is facing challenges in the post modern era. The unity in diversity principle has also been questioned. The monolithic structures are under scrutiny. The concept of Brahman, the core of classical orthodox schools of philosophy is being deconstructed. It is identified here that the problematic of one and many occupies the core place in ancient Indian philosophy. It is a philosophical debate, may be also a social debate, between Ekanta vada and Anekanta vada, a debate between the supremacy of Brahman and the autonomy of multiplicity. In Postmodern terminology, this may be the problem of disciplining the multiplicity, bringing the many under order and hierarchizing the many under the leadership of the Brahman, the one supreme.

The purpose of philosophy it self is redefined. Tradition has being critically reviewed. The transevaluation of traditional values are being carried out by postmodern critics. In place of totalitarian and grand narratives, post modernism suggests multiple, localized, autonomised and non-centralized kinds of theoretical production “whose validity is not dependent on the approval of the established regimes of thought”.

The secularism demands further reinterpretation of classical texts suitable to the needs of the society. Dialogues are creeping in. Hence, democratization of the philosophical sphere is very much wanted and a paradigm shift is expected by the post modern thinkers.

The existence of the individual in Indian society is challenged by the socio economic and political factors. The Socio economic and political arena at the vyavakarika level demands the action modules for better living in this world. The theoretical foundations of the classical philosophy which is strengthened at the academic spheres are yet to enter into the practical sphere of an ‘average’ Indian. In this context, the religion wear the ‘koshas’ of the philosophy and philosophy in India is identified with the corporate gurus. In this situation, the self at the globalized society can never be realized with out activating its critical consciousness. The curriculum requires a revamping and restructuring both in its content and communication methods.