Evolution and Emergence: Systems, Organisms, Persons

by William R. Stoeger, SJ, Nancey Murphy

Overview

A collection of essays by experts in the field, exploring how nature works at every level to produce more complex and highly organized objects, systems, and organisms from much simpler components, and how our increasing understanding of this universal phenomenon of emergence can lead us to a deeper and richer appreciation of who we are as human beings and of our relationship to God. Several chapters introduce the key philosophical ideas about reductionism and emergence, while others explore the fascinating world of emergent phenomena in physics, biology, and the neurosciences. Finally there are contributions probing the meaning and significance of these findings for our general description of the world and ourselves in relation to God, from philosophy and theology. The collection as a whole will extend the mutual creative interaction among the sciences, philosophy, and theology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199204717
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	05/31/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	392
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 5.30(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Nancey Murphy is Professor of Christian Philosphy at Fuller Seminary, Pasadena. William R. Stoeger, SJ is Staff Astrophysicist, Vatican Observatory, and Adjunct Associate Professor of Astronomy at the University of Arizona.

Table of Contents

Introduction, Nancey MurphyI. Philosophy1. Reduction - how did we fall into it and can we emerge from it?, Nancey Murphy2. Reduction, emergence, and the mind/body problem, Robert Van Gulick3. Who's in charge here? And who's doing all the work?, Robert Van Gulick4. Three levels of emergent phenomena, Terrence DeaconII. Science5. Science, complexity, and the nature of existence, George F. R. Ellis6. Emergence in the physical sciences: lessons from the particle physics and condensed matter debate, Don Howard7. True to life? Biological models of origin and evolution, Martinez Hewlett8. Nonlinear science and the cognitive hierarchy, Alwyn Scott9. The emergence of causally efficacious mental function, Warren S. BrownIII. Theology10. Reductionism and emergence: implications for the theology and science dialogue, William R. Stoeger, SJ11. Emergence, scientific naturalism, and theology, John Haught12. Emergent realities with causal efficacy - philosophical and theological applications, Arthur Peacocke13. Reduction and emergence in artificial life: a theological appropriation, Niels Henrik Gregersen14. Toward a constructive Christian theology of emergence, Philip ClaytonPostscript, William R. Stoeger, SJ