Can panpsychism solve thorny theological problems?
Religious Studies: An International Journal for the Philosophy of Religion February 27, 2023 DOI: 10.1017/s003441252300015x (opens in new tab) via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPanpsychism, the idea that consciousness is a fundamental feature of all matter, may address both environmental and theological challenges. Joanna Leidenhag argues that this worldview can strengthen commitment to protecting Earth's ecosystems and explain how consciousness and matter coexist and interact. This article reviews her arguments and proposes directions for further exploration of these ideas.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Philosophy |
| Key finding | Argues that panpsychism can motivate environmental concern and solve theological problems about consciousness and matter. |
Abstract
Abstract Joanna Leidenhag has written a ground-breaking book arguing that the concept of panpsychism can solve several problems facing present-day humans. It can motivate greater commitment to concern for earth's diverse environments and the life forms that inhabit them. And it can solve theological problems connected with human consciousness, notably, how consciousness and matter coexist and interact. This article summarizes and comments on Leidenhag's arguments, then suggests several paths forward for those inspired by Leidenhag's ideas and arguments who wish to explore them and related notions in greater depth.