ABSTRACT
In three major ways the Indian grammatical tradition is relevant to the problem of ‘scientification’ and ‘scientism’ in the humanities: (1) as a modern example of ‘scientification’, or, more precisely: of ‘occidental’ and modern scientification in our understanding of ancient Indian knowledge systems; (2) as an instructive historical alternative for ‘scientification’; (3) as partner in philosophical dialogue. Since ‘scientification’ is superimposed in our modern, ‘occidental’ perception of ancient Indian grammar, what remains of Indian grammar, and especially of Pāṇini’s grammar, if we remove the remarkably developed and efficient formalism which is indeed there in this grammar and of which modern students and specialists have a ‘scientified’ perception? The Art of Grammar. This is already implicit in several observations of the ancient grammarian-philosopher Bhartṛhari. What does this mean for the concept of ‘scientism’ as developed by Jürgen Habermas? Are there any implications for a future perspective on the social sciences and humanities?
