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.
- ISBN10 0199272522
- ISBN13 9780199272525
- Publish Date 1 November 2004
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 4 June 2008
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Oxford University Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 248
- Language English