Indian Knowledge Traditions and Modelling

Syllabus

• Unit 1: Foundations of Indian Knowledge Traditions (Total Modules - 4)
• It provides the background and structure of India’s intellectual framework.
• ● Understanding the importance and role of knowledge within the Indian world. (IKST Module No. 1)
• ● Introduction to the Vedas as the foundational core of Indian knowledge systems. (IKST Module No. 2)
• ● Exploring the chaturdasa-vidyasthana-s (the 14 branches of traditional knowledge). (IKST Module No. 3)
• ● The 64 Arts: A look at the chatusshashti kalaa-s and their role in Indian tradition. (IKST Module No. 4)

• Unit 2: The Process of Knowledge Creation and Scientific Inquiry (Total Modules - 5)
• It explores how information is transformed into knowledge through scientific methods.
• ● Knowledge vs. Knowledge Systems: Understanding knowledge as information and the knowledge system as the process of extracting knowledge. (S.T - Module No. 1)
• ● Defining Science: Examining the functions of science—to explain, predict, and control reality. (S.T - Module No. 7)
• ● Methods of Science: Introduction to empirical versus theory-based model building and the tools used in scientific inquiry. (S.T - Module No. 8)
• ● States and Participants: Identifying the different states of knowledge and the participants involved in the knowledge creation process. (S.T - Module No. 2 & 4)

• Unit 3: Principles of Knowledge Modelling and Model-Based Reasoning (Total Modules - 8)
• It focuses on modelling as a core component of Indian scientific thinking.
• ● Understanding models as compact representations of observed reality. (S.T - Module No. 9)
• ● Exploring Top-Down, Bottom-Up, and Hybrid models, as well as the methods of abstraction and classification. (S.T - Module No. 10)
• ● Science vs. Art: Distinguishing between exact and approximate sciences and the strengths and limits of scientific inquiry. (S.T - Module No. 11 & 12)
• ● Model-Based Reasoning: Introducing model-based reasoning as the primary method for all scientific inquiry. (S.T - Module No. 13-17)

• Unit 4: The Anatomy and Framework of a Model (Total Modules - 5)
• It dives into the structural components and influences that shape a model.
• ● Structural Elements: Identifying the states of entities and the functional relations among different concepts within a model. (S.T - Module No. 18)
• ● Transitions and Actions: Understanding the actions that trigger transitions in the state of entities represented in a model. (S.T - Module No. 19)
• ● Worldview Influences: Examining how worldviews and theoretical principles influence model building, with illustrations from systems like Ayurveda. (S.T - Module No. 20-21)
• ● Representing Questions: Learning how a model is built to represent and answer specific questions about a system. (S.T - Module No. 22)

• Unit 5: Reasoning, Robustness, and Modern Applications (Total Modules - 8)
• It applies traditional modelling frameworks to contemporary challenges.
• ● Introduction to the Navya Nyaya method of model building and reasoning. (S.T - Module No. 23)
• ● Understanding reasoning through the lens of Indian syllogism and epistemological frameworks. (S.T - Module No. 24)
• ● Evaluating the quality and robustness of scientific models based on criteria established in the Vedic scientific system. (S.T - Module No. 25)
• ● Applying and building robust scientific models for use in simulating real-world systems and recontextualising Vedic shastras for modern applications. (S.T - Module No. 26-30)