Samyama Science: A Methodology

Sharon Kehoe
University of Idaho

If the "proper function" of human beings "consists in an activity of the soul in conformity with a rational principle" as Aristotle has said, then what are we to make of the activities of the soul which are not defined by the Western idea of rational principle? Are there other equally important principles or definitions of such which could guide human beings?

Reason and rationality; what else is there? What other ways may knowledge be sought and found? There are many, contrary to what Aristotle may have thought. Not that there is anything wrong with rationality or deficient in using the process of reasoning. But let me suggest that there are other epistemological methods leading to enlightenment on a subject, to use a descriptive word from the East which pinpoints exactly my focus.

I wish to talk about two very specific topics and then discuss their possible interrelationship. I choose this method (which is indeed rational) because of my feminist leanings which would induce me to speak of particularity rather than generality. I am not really interested in deconstruction rationality nor defending it; perhaps I could say I am attempting to expand the definition. I am interested in an interdisciplinary approach to methodology which could be revolutionary in its results, if anyone would have the dedication or personal predilection try it.

The two topics concern the worlds of science and spirit. I have chosen science simply because of the assumption, especially held in the West, that science is an epitome of rationality. I have chosen spirit because it seems to display the reverse assumption; that it is not rational. And yet isn't this the "activity of the soul?" How do we know what we know about them? Is science by definition always rational? Is the world of spirit irrational, non-rational, ultra-rational?

Barbara McClintock was a twentieth century scientist who used a non-typical methodology which was barely understood by her contemporaries even though she received a Nobel prize. Ancient Hindu texts tell of the spiritual science of yoga which is still practiced today with results: the culmination of raja yoga, samyama. What could these two have in common and of what possible use as a contribution to a non-Western rationality?