Mind and Emergence
October 28, 2004 Philip Clayton
Emergence is proposed as a new paradigm for understanding science, consciousness, and religion. The concept requires irreducible levels of explanation in physics, chemistry, and biology. This pattern suggests a new approach to consciousness that 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. The author defends emergentist panentheism and a Christian constructive theology consistent with the new sciences of emergence.