Assessing the Epistemic Value of Astrology: A Comparative Analysis with Other Sciences

Authors

  • Ramprasad S. Lecturer, Department of Sanskrit, Kukke Sri Subrahmanyeshwara College, Subrahmanya, Karnataka, INDIA.
  • Manohara Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Kukke Sri Subrahmanyeshwara College, Subrahmanya, Karnataka, INDIA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.3.4.1

Keywords:

Astrology, Science, Epistemic value, Comparative analysis, Empirical evidence, Testability, Falsifiability, Explanatory power, Predictive capacity, Pseudoscience

Abstract

This research paper aims to critically evaluate the epistemic value of astrology in comparison to other scientific disciplines. Astrology has long been a subject of fascination and controversy due to its claims of predicting human behavior and destiny based on celestial positions and relationships. However, its credibility as a scientific field remains a topic of intense debate. The study employs a comparative analysis approach to assess the highness of astrology in relation to other well-established sciences. By examining key criteria such as empirical evidence, testability, falsifiability, explanatory power, and predictive capacity, we aim to determine the epistemic strength of astrology relative to other scientific disciplines. Our findings reveal that astrology falls short in meeting the rigorous standards of scientific inquiry when compared to disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, and psychology. The lack of empirical evidence supporting astrological claims, combined with the inability to generate reliable and consistent predictions, limits its validity as a scientific field. In contrast, other sciences have demonstrated significant advancements through experimental verification, peer review, and the development of robust theories and models. They have consistently produced reliable results, contributed to technological advancements, and expanded our understanding of the natural world. While astrology may hold cultural and historical significance, its highness in the realm of science remains questionable. This study emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning when evaluating scientific claims. Furthermore, it highlights the need for rigorous scientific methodologies in distinguishing between pseudoscience and legitimate scientific disciplines.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

Jotinibandhadarsha, Dr. Shatrughna Tripathi, Department of Astrology, Kashi Hindu University, Varanasi.

Sanskrit Nibhand Manjusha, Dr. Uday Shankar Jha, Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan Varanasi - ISBN: 978-93-82443-48-3

"Light on Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of India" by Hart de Fouw and Robert Svoboda.

Prashnamargam, Jyotisharatnam Kabyadi Srinivasa Acharya, Kabyadi Math., Published by – Balram Acharya, Kabyadi Math, Parkal.

"Universe: Stars and Galaxies" by Roger Freedman, Robert Geller, William J. Kaufmann III, and Hugh D. Young.

Addey, J. (1987) ‘Astrology Reborn’, in A.T. Mann (ed.), The Future of Astrology, London: Unwin Hyman.

Cornelius, G. (2003), The Moment of Astrology (2 ND Edition), Bournemouth: Wessex Astrologer.

Perry, G. (1988). Astrology as a Diagnostic Tool in Psychotherapy. The Astro therapy Newsletter

Brannigan, G. G., & Marrens, M. R. (1993). The undaunted psychologist: Adventures in research. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Abelson, R. P. (1995). Statistics as principled argument. Hillside, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Published

2023-07-05

How to Cite

Ramprasad , S., & Manohara. (2023). Assessing the Epistemic Value of Astrology: A Comparative Analysis with Other Sciences. Integrated Journal for Research in Arts and Humanities, 3(4), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.3.4.1

Issue

Section

Articles