Survey of Indian Scientists’ Attitudes toward Religion, Ethics and Society

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A demographer, Keysar, who is an Associate Professor of Public Policy and Law and the Associate Director of the ISSSC, was a principal investigator for the survey. A sociologist and also a principal investigator, Kosmin is the founding Director of the ISSSC and a Research Professor in the Public Policy and Law Program at Trinity.

“Secularism has a unique meaning in India,” said Keysar. “A vast majority of scientists perceive secularism as tolerance for various religions and philosophies and this is reflect in their approach to scientific issues.”

Among the findings, the study shows that only 8 percent of Indian scientists express ethical reservations about genetic engineering and stem cell research, while 90 percent somewhat or strongly agree with the teaching of traditional Ayurvedic medicine in university degree courses. The vast majority (88 percent) either definitely or probably endorse the theory of evolution.

Other survey questions cover such topics as Reasons for Becoming a Scientist; the Status of Women; Scientific Literacy in India; Ethical Constraints on Science; Belief in God; Belief in Miracles; and Spirituality.

“India was chosen,” said Kosmin, “because of its increasing significance on the global scene and its special constitutional commitment to develop scientific temper.”

Those queried include engineers, mathematicians, chemists, physicians, physicists, geologists, and those involved with behavioral and social sciences.

The survey was designed in consultation with Dr. Meera Nanda, author of Prophets Facing Backwards, and conducted in cooperation with the Center for Inquiry-India, for which Dr. P.M. Bhargava serves as a chief adviser.

The entire survey is available online at: http://cruller.cc.trincoll.edu/NR/rdonlyres/D98B14DA-CC70-4CA2-B270-EA0A6E9B4006/0/WholeIndiaReport.pdf