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

Philip Clayton, Paul Davies

OUP Oxford, Jun 29, 2006 - Science - 330 pages

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 onemore 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 the author

Philip Clayton is Ingraham Professor, Claremont School of Theology; Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Claremont Graduate University. Paul Davies is Professor of Natural Philosophy, Macquarie University, Sydney.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Re-Emergence of Emergence: The Emergentist Hypothesis from Science to Religion; Issue 159 of ISSR library
• Editors: Philip Clayton, Paul Davies
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: OUP Oxford, 2006
• ISBN: 0199287147, 9780199287147
• Length: 330 pages
• Subjects: Religion / Religion & Science; Science / Life Sciences / Biology; Science / Philosophy & Social Aspects