Mind and Emergence
October 28, 2004 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780199272525.001.0001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that emergence provides a framework for understanding consciousness and reality that is neither reducible to physical brain states nor dependent on a mental substance or soul, and that it is compatible with a variety of religious positions, including a Christian constructive theology. |
Abstract
Abstract Strong claims have been made for emergence as a new paradigm for understanding science, consciousness, and religion. Tracing the past history and current definistions 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.