Afghanistan, Pakistan and their geographic context: Development of a regional network of cultural and scientific cooperation

Palazzo della Borsa, Trieste, Italy, 26. June 2009

Reza Mansouri

TWAS fellow

Sharif University of Technology, Tehran Iran & Iranian National Telescope (INO), project director

Abstract

Modern concept of science is a social construct on which modern rationality is based. In this region however, science is subordinate to theology, and cultural values are determined by religion. Belief in superiority of Islam and its humanistic tradition, deeply rooted in the mindset of the people leaving in this region, is a real challenge in any cultural and scientific cooperation. A critical pillar of success in the war of terrorism is realizing these differences in the mindset of people of the region to those of the West.