How Ancient India's Computational Positivism Shaped Modern Artificial Intelligence: Insights from Nick Booker at NDTV World Summit 2025

IndoGenius co-founder Nick Booker addressed the NDTV World Summit 2025 in Delhi

New Delhi:

Nick Booker, a consultant who advises international universities, companies, government agencies, and investors on India engagement strategies, has preemptively congratulated India as he believes the 21st century represents the resurgence of Indian civilization.

"We are currently experiencing the first Indian decade of what will ultimately be recognized as the Indian century. I'd like to demonstrate why I hold this conviction," Booker stated during his session titled 'How Ancient India Made Artificial Intelligence Possible' at today's NDTV World Summit in Delhi.

Booker drew distinctions between ancient Greek/European philosophical approaches and Indian thinking methodologies. He explained that Europeans historically embraced what modern scientists term the axiomatic model-making approach.

"They believed in self-evident truths and creating models before collecting data to fit their predetermined understanding," Booker explained. "While this approach facilitates logical and rational thinking, it isn't necessarily grounded in reality but rather in models applied to reality."

"Conversely, India specialized in what Roddam Narasimha, the brilliant Indian academic from IISc, described as 'computational positivism' – observing reality directly rather than interpreting it, and adapting models and computations based on those observations," he continued.

To illustrate this concept, Booker offered an example: "If all monkeys climb trees, and we categorize a porcupine as a monkey, then logically, porcupines climb trees. This argument appears sound on its surface. However, there's one fundamental issue – porcupines don't actually climb trees. Although the first premise is accurate, the second is false, rendering the conclusion incorrect. Yet if you accept the premises and follow the logic, you'd erroneously conclude that porcupines climb trees."

In essence, Booker characterized axiomatic model-making as European, while computational positivism represents the Indian approach.

Referring back to his example, he added, "The axiomatic approach accepts the premise and concludes porcupines climb trees, while computational positivism would reject the false premise based on empirical data and experience."

"This parallel extends to AI systems. Aligned and constitutional systems like ChatGPT and Anthropic models can make these logical but factually incorrect deductions, whereas systems grounded purely in data provide answers based on that data. If the data is flawed, the answer will be similarly flawed," he explained.

Booker emphasized that exposure to diverse metaphors represents one of the most compelling reasons for studying other cultures, particularly India.

"The mythology, stories, and historical examples from India provide invaluable perspective. The more you learn about different cultural frameworks, the better you recognize patterns and connections across contexts. Since arriving in India, my worldview has expanded dramatically, revealing entirely new ways of perceiving reality. This availability of metaphors constitutes one of India's greatest contributions to global understanding," he remarked.

As IndoGenius' co-founder and CEO, Booker has developed some of India's most extensive experiential learning programs. More than 1,600 international students have participated in IndoGenius' in-person study abroad initiatives, with over 10,000 joining virtually.

His professional portfolio includes assisting universities in establishing representation in India, managing collaborative research projects like the Obama-Singh Grant, and guiding institutions in developing India-specific strategies and business plans for new campuses.

About NDTV World Summit 2025

The NDTV World Summit 2025 explores the theme 'Edge of the Unknown: Risk. Resolve. Renewal.' This two-day conference invites participants to transcend conventional boundaries in pursuit of a more conscious collective future.

The 2025 edition assembles an exceptional collection of thought leaders—including heads of state, cultural icons, business innovators, and visionary thinkers—to engage in transformative dialogue. The summit focuses on courageous inquiry and thoughtful exploration of navigating complexity with clarity and ethical consideration.