Temples of Modernity: Nationalism, Hinduism, and Transhumanism in South Indian Science

(Hardback)

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Temples of Modernity uses ethnographic data to investigate the presence of religious ideas and practices in Indian science and engineering. Geraci shows 1) how the integration of religion, science and technology undergirds pre- and post-independence Indian nationalism, 2) that traditional icons and rituals remain relevant in elite scientific communities, and 3) that transhumanist ideas now percolate within Indian visions of science and technology. This work identifies the intersection of religion, science, and technology as a worldwide phenomenon and suggests that the study of such interactions should be enriched through attention to the real experiences of people across the globe.

Reviews

This fascinating study documents how religion flourishes inenvironments of technological innovation and scientific inquiry, and, inparticular, how some scientists and engineers in contemporary Indiavisualize technologyand science through the lens of religion and mythology. Geraci shows thecomplexity in the relationship of religion, technology, and science in thisIndian context and he succeeds inmaking the religious flourishing in scientificand technological environment understandable. -- Knut A. Jacobsen, University of Bergen
This excellent monograph examines the interactions of science, technology, religion, and nationalism in the context of India. Geraci offers an in-depth reading of cultures of technology(s) in India and explores ethnographically the importance of studying cultures of technologies in different locations. This book is not about the religious lives of technologies in India, and it is equally not about the secular lives of technologies in the West. It is essentially a book on technology(s) and culture(s). Although the book is about India, it has the potential to explain the religious workings of technology in the secular West as well. This ethnographically rich monograph will be an important contribution in the field of science(s) and religion(s). -- Renny Thomas, University of Delhi
The relationship between science and religion often is treated as one about beliefs. Geraci describes and analyzes the interplay of religion and science in India as one about practices and politics rather than about beliefs. He thus provides us with an opportunity to learn about India and an occasion to rethink our own assumptions about science, religion, modernity, and secularization. -- Willem B. Drees, editor of Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science, 20082018

Author Bio

Robert M. Geraci is professor of religious studies at Manhattan College.