Strengths and Weaknesses of Modern Science. Part 4 - Concluding thoughts

[Continuing the theme of my previous 3 logs..]

Modern Science has served us well to explain how things work, though major questions remain in the realm of the Universe, Physics and the Living World and Evolution. In some cases logic itself seems to break down - particularly when the cause and effect question is surrendered in acceptance of the perennial existence (conservation) of Matter and Energy.

All the same, a lot is owed to modern science. It has lifted millions out of the misery of diseases like malaria, cholera, yellow fever and the like, made mass communication possible and helped us manage our lives better, not to mention live longer.

Where modern science has not shone as much, is in explaining the "WHY" part - the motivation behind facts that have been observed and attributed to laws. Why did the universe come into being? Why is evolution guided by a principle of improving living beings (contrary to law of entropy)? Why does an abstract thing called the 'mind' affect the body ? and so on.

Then there are the "eternal questions of faith and philosophy": Is there a creator or governor of this universe? Why are the laws of physics so? Why is there such a thing as a negative charge and a positive charge? Why do masses exert a pull on each other (gravity)? Are our actions also governed by laws ("you reap what you sow")? Are there other universes?
The last question is actually a question of science now, not just a philosophical question as people of science ponder about 'white holes' (with black holes seemingly abundant esp. at the center of galaxies) , the quirky concepts of string theory and the mystery of Dark Energy.

With this backdrop and inventory of science, we'll seek to examine the statements of the Vedas and how they stand the scrutiny of modern science.