ENGLISH

The reemergence of emergence: the emergentist hypothesis from science to religion

By Philip Clayton , Paul Davies (editors)

Book information

Publisher
Oxford University Press, USA
Year
2006
ISBN
0199287147, 9780199287147, 019954431X, 9780199544318, 0191516015, 9780191516016
DOI
10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199544318.001.0001
LCC
Q175. 32. E44R44 2006
Google Books ID
fBDbbwAACAAJ
Language
english
Format
PDF
Filesize
4 MB (3925065 bytes)
Pages
344\345
Scanned
no
Time added
2010-05-17 00:23:50

Description

• Offers an authoritative introduction to the entire field of emergence studies• Presents the most recent literature and conclusions, in a thoroughly readable style• Bridges the classical divide between the "two cultures" of the sciences and the humanities and engages the growing field of science and religionMuch 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.

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