A new research paper: Shaastratva: A Shaastric Framework to Evaluate Modern Theories

[Sai Susarla]

Namassarvebhyah,

I'd like to bring to your attention, a research paper of ours (Siddhanta Knowledge Foundation and Brhat) accepted for publication in the upcoming IKSHA conference. 

The subject matter is highly relevant to this group and hence I am mentioning here and requesting esteemed scholars to bless us with your helpful comments and suggestions. Paper pdf attached. 

We propose a shaastric framework to assess the rigor of modern theories - basically reversing the gaze. We illustrate how to use it by analysing a few theories. Please pardon our use of Vedic in the title. In hindsight, shaastric would've been apt.

We hope this will inspire more shaastra scholars to take the lead in modern academic discourse. 

Regards,

- Sai Susarla.

Shaastratva: A Vedic Framework to Evaluate Modern Theories

{Vaishnavi Nishankar, Sai Ramakrishna Susarla}, Srinivas Jammalamadaka

Abstract

In this paper, we motivate the need for a robust framework to guide the development of scientific theories - both modern and Vedic. We propose a novel theory assessment framework synthesized from best practices followed in the Bharatiya shaastra tradition, especially in three Vedic shaastras: Nyaaya, Mimaamsa and Vyakarana. We illustrate how to use this framework by picking both Vedic and modern theories and evaluating their soundness.

Table of Contents 

Abstract 1

Table of Contents 1

1. Introduction 2

1.1. Why Theories? 2

1.2. Need for a Theory of Theory-making 2

1.3. What is a Theory and its Purpose? 3

1.4. Can Bharatiya Shaastric Thinking Help? 4

2. Shaastratva: A Novel Quality Assessment Framework for Theories 4

2.1. Dimensions of Shaastratva 5

2.2. Knowledge Components of Shaastratva 6

2.3. Quality Metrics of Shaastratva 6

3. Elements of the Shaastratva Framework 7

3.1. Anubandha Chatushtayam for Scope 7

3.2. Navya Nyaaya Padaarthas for Model Construction 8

3.3. Lakshana Theory for Ontology 9

3.4. Modeling Methodology 9

3.5. Paksha for Novelty 10

4. Evaluating Shaastratva 10

4.1. Guidelines for Shaastratva Scoring 10

4.2. How to use the Shaastratva Scores 10

4.3. Lakshana Theory 11

4.4. Marxian Social Theory 11

Overview of the Theory 11

Shaastratva Assessment 13

4.5. A Problem Theory: The Cynefin Decision-making Framework 14

5. Conclusions and Future Work 16

References 17

Appendix A: Shaastratva Score Sheet: Lakshana Theory 18

Appendix B: Shaastratva Score Sheet: Marxian Social Theory 20

Appendix C: Shaastratva Score Sheet: Cynefin Problem Typology Framework 22