Kannada's Atomism and Nanotechnology: A Comparative Analysis on the Ancient Indian Atom and Modern Science
Shweta
Doctoral Fellow
Department of Philosophy
University of Delhi
shweta@philosophy.du.ac.in
Submitted on: 14.11.2025
Accepted on: 28.06.2026
Abstract: The debate on Vaisheshika atomism with nanotechnology engages multidimensional arguments in relation to its existence at the level of the indivisible particles as well as to their nature of matter. Genetic, a traditional Indian philosophical position, postulating that each and every matter is aeon, made up of indestructible, imperceptible particles which are assumed to be eternal, and therefore collectively known as Paramãṇus Ātya. Modern scientific advancements, conversely, provided experiential evidence for the existence of atoms and subatomic particles. The contradiction, thus, raises the question if the paramāṇus that Vaisheshika posits correspond immediately to the atoms and to the subatomic particles in the way that modern physics describes, or whether they belong altogether to a different ontological category.
Nanotechnology, meanwhile, a representation of manipulations of matter at the level of atoms or molecules, lies between one and 100 nanometers. has an enormous scope, from medicine, electronics, through materials science, to the production of energy. This technology enables the design of new materials such as nanoelectronics, targeted drug delivery systems and what not. In this regard, the debate raises a train of thoughts related to epistemological issues concerning the nature of knowledge and the fit between the classical philosophical approaches on how knowledge should be acquired and the modern scientific approaches.
Ultimately, the debate between nanotechnology and Vaisheshika effectuate substantial queries about the nature of matter and matter in relation to the acquisition of knowledge and technological development from the philosophical perspective. The area is relatively complex and corresponds across the sciences and philosophies; for that matter, the discussion calls for an interdisciplinary approach and holistic understanding.
Key Words: Atomism, Nanotechnology, Vaisheshika, debate, modern science, Ancient Indian philosophy