The Theory of Extension

Author(s):  
Leemon B. McHenry

This chapter explores the connections between Whitehead’s metaphysical theory and contemporary cosmology by examining his theory of extension. This involves the most general features of structure in the universe that are addressed in his later process ontology. The chapter also continues to explore the issue raised in chapter 4 concerning the emergence of gross physical bodies and the entire extended universe from the foundation of events. As Whitehead’s theorizing becomes increasingly general, his account for how our universe began provides a basic framework for a comparison with contemporary multiverse speculation. This then raises the question about the scientific status of this hypothesis.

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 251-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Morphy D. Santos ◽  
Leticia P. Alabi ◽  
Amâncio C. S. Friaça ◽  
Douglas Galante

AbstractThe establishment of cosmology as a science provides a parallel to the building-up of the scientific status of astrobiology. The rise of astrobiological studies is explicitly based on a transdisciplinary approach that reminds of the Copernican Revolution, which eroded the basis of a closed Aristotelian worldview and reinforced the notion that the frontiers between disciplines are artificial. Given the intrinsic complexity of the astrobiological studies, with its multifactorial evidences and theoretical/experimental approaches, multi- and interdisciplinary perspectives are mandatory. Insulated expertise cannot grasp the vastness of the astrobiological issues. This need for integration among disciplines and research areas is antagonistic to excessive specialization and compartmentalization, allowing astrobiology to be qualified as a truly transdisciplinary enterprise. The present paper discusses the scientific status of astrobiological studies, based on the view that every kind of life, Earth-based or not, should be considered in a cosmic context. A confluence between ‘astro’ and ‘bio’ seeks the understanding of life as an emerging phenomenon in the universe. Thus, a new epistemological niche is opened, pointing to the development of a pluralistic vision for the philosophy of astrobiology.


Author(s):  
Yiftach Fehige

Summary Thomas Nagel has proposed a highly speculative metaphysical theory to account for the cosmological significance that he claims the human mind to have. Nagel argues that the mind cannot be fully explained by Darwinian evolutionary theory, nor should theological accounts be accepted. What he proposes instead is an explanation in terms of cosmological non-purposive teleological principles. Our universe awakens to itself in each and every individual consciousness. What comes to light in a pronounced manner when consciousness arises, are the mental aspects of the stuff that the universe is made of. These mental aspects are always concurrently present with the physical aspects of the basic elements that constitute the universe. This paper situates Nagel’s cosmology in the context of discussions of the relationship between modern science and Christian theology. It focuses on the history of modern science’s efforts to locate the origins of humanity. The aim of the paper is to present a qualified “Lutheran” reading of Nagel’s theory of the cosmological significance of the human mind. This will unearth strong reasons to think that Nagel’s cosmology is less secular than it claims to be.


Author(s):  
I Gusti Made Widya Sena

<p>The truth in daily life is certainly a wholeness in implementing the tattwa, ethics and acara of Hinduism as tri basic framework of Hinduism in Bali. This is because until now the implementation of the teaching trilogy is still running and standing alone in an incomplete and comprehensive manner. Sometimes it is found in the field of implementation of acaras and ethics are not equipped with tattwa philosophy in it. So that the knowledge of the people will be more rooted and rely on the basic concept indeed. This of course will increasingly corner the minds of the people about the doctrine that is not fundamental.</p><p>One of the truths of tattwa written in the Vedic Scriptures is the concept of cosmology or the creation of the universe. Cosmology is one of the important knowledge in Hinduism, because cosmology not only provides knowledge about the creation of the universe, furthermore cosmology can explain the true nature of human beings, which so far is still very difficult to obtain. In Bali, this cosmological teaching is implied in local theology. Local theology that lived and developed in Bali until now is imbued with the teachings of the Vedic scriptures. Especially Siwaistic texts that always put forward the teachings of knowledge about the reality of God, the way to reach Him and the creation of the universe, both great bhuana agung and bhuana alit.</p>


Author(s):  
Krzysztof Bolejko ◽  
Andrzej Krasinski ◽  
Charles Hellaby ◽  
Marie-Noelle Celerier
Keyword(s):  

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernst Heinrich Philipp August Haeckel ◽  
Joseph McCabe

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