About the Speaker:  Dr. U.A. Vinay Kumar is Associate Professor and currently heads the Department of Philosophy at Goa University. He has over 25 years of experience in Research and Teaching. His areas of Specialization include: Advaita Vedanta, Contemporary Indian Philosophy, Classical Indian Philosophy and Existentialism. His other areas of competence include: Indian Logic, Indian Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Science, Epistemology and Metaphysics, Buddhist Philosophy, History of Western Philosophy and Social/Political Philosophy.

Abstract:  “Humanity is passing through a difficult phase— euphemistically called the “era of clash of civilizations”— that has the potential to wipe out the humanity from the face of the earth. At the root of the clash, surely are the ‘clashing religions’ or their ‘clashing ideas’. If a foundational synthesis, containing in it the metaphysical aspects that are universal — including different understandings of one’s own Self, the Universe, the God and the Absolute — can be provided then it may kindle a glimmer of hope for humanity’s survival, especially in a world that is getting  increasingly globalized.”