Research Article · FIAR-2026-0206
Scientific Temper and East–West Philosophical Synthesis: Swami Vivekananda’s Vision Beyond Religious Narrowness
1Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundelkhand University, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh
2Govt. P. G. College, Gadakota, Sagar, affiliated with Rani Awanti Bai Lodhi University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh
Corresponding author: drroshnibharilya14@gmail.com
ORCID: 0009-0005-4708-3194
Abstract
This article examines how Swami Vivekananda connected rational inquiry, spiritual experience, religious universality, and cultural exchange in selected lectures and writings. Through qualitative close reading of fifteen separately titled primary texts, it argues that his opposition to religious narrowness rests on three related principles: inherited authority must remain open to examination; spiritual development should express itself in human welfare; and cultural encounter should encourage reciprocal learning without compulsory assimilation. His use of scientific language makes religion answerable to questions about method and experience, although it does not establish the empirical truth of metaphysical claims. Similarly, his East–West synthesis challenges cultural contempt while retaining some broad civilisational categories. The article interprets his ideal society as an ethical aspiration rather than a detailed political blueprint. It concludes that Vivekananda’s contribution lies in bringing reason, sympathy, national self-respect, and freedom of spiritual growth into a common discussion. His vision remains intellectually productive when its universal commitments are considered alongside its historical limitations.
Keywords
Swami Vivekananda; scientific temper; Practical Vedanta; religious pluralism; East–West synthesis; humanism; nationalism; utopian vision.
How to cite this article
Bharilya, R., & Soni, K. (2026). Scientific Temper and East–West Philosophical Synthesis: Swami Vivekananda’s Vision Beyond Religious Narrowness. Frontiers of Integrated Academic Research, 1(2), 42–48. https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0206