The Re-Emergence of Emergence

NOTE EDITORE

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.

SOMMARIO

1 - Conceptual Foundations of Emergence Theory2 - The Physics of Downward Causation3 - The Emergence of Classicality from Quantum Theory4 - On the Nature of Emergent Reality5 - Emergence: The Hole at the Wheel's Hub6 - The Role of Emergence in Biology7 - Emergence in Social Evolution: A Great Ape Example8 - Being Realistic about Emergence9 - In Defence of Ontological Emergence and Mental Causation10 - Emergence and Mental Causation11 - Varieties of Emergence12 - Emergence, Mind, and Divine Action: The Hierarchy of the Sciences in Relation to the Human Mind-Brain-Body13 - Emergence: What is at Stake for Religious Reflection?14 - Emergence from Quantum Physics to Religion: A Critical Appraisal

ALTRE INFORMAZIONI

• Condizione: Nuovo
• ISBN: 9780199544318
• Dimensioni: 234 x 19.0 x 156 mm Ø 535 gr
• Formato: Brossura
• Illustration Notes: 41 figures
• Pagine Arabe: 344