The Re-Emergence of Emergence: The Emergentist Hypothesis from Science to Religion - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 019954431X ISBN 13: 9780199544318

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2008

Synopsis

Much of the modern period was dominated by a `reductionist' theory of science. On this view, to explain any event in the world is to reduce it down to fundamental particles, laws, and forces. In recent years reductionism has been dramatically challenged by a radically new paradigm called `emergence'. According to this new theory, natural history reveals the continuous emergence of novel phenomena: new structures and new organisms with new causal powers. Consciousness is yet one more emergent level in the natural hierarchy. Many theologians and religious scholars believe that this new paradigm may offer new insights into the nature of God and God's relation to the world.
This volume introduces readers to emergence theory, outlines the major arguments in its defence, and summarizes the most powerful objections against it. Written by experts but suitable as an introductory text, these essays provide the best available presentation of this exciting new field and its potentially momentous implications.

About this title

About the Author

Philip Clayton is a Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Claremont Graduate University and Ingraham Professor at the Claremont School of Theology. Paul Davies is a Professor of Natural Philosophy at the Australian Centre for Astrobiology at Macquarie University in Sydney.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 019954431X
• ISBN 13: 9780199544318
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 330
• Editor: Clayton Philip, Davies Paul