Mind and Emergence: From Quantum to Consciousness

Overview

Strong claims have been made for emergence as a new paradigm for understanding science, consciousness, and religion. Tracing the past history and current definitions of the concept, Clayton assesses the case for emergent phenomena in the natural world and their significance for philosophy and theology. Complex emergent phenomena require irreducible levels of explanation in physics, chemistry and biology. This pattern of emergence suggests a new approach to the problem of consciousness, which is neither reducible to brain states nor proof of a mental substance or soul. Although emergence does not entail classical theism, it is compatible with a variety of religious positions. Clayton concludes with a defence of emergentist panentheism and a Christian constructive theology consistent with the new sciences of emergence.

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Author Information

Bio of Philip Clayton

Philip Clayton, Ingraham Professor, Claremont School of Theology; Professor of Philosophy and of Religion, Claremont Graduate University

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Additional Info

Imprint

Oxford University Press, Incorporated

Filesize

3.98 MB

Number of Pages

256

eBook ISBN

9780191556753