Mind and Emergence: From Quantum to Consciousness

A good book introducing the concept of Emergence in both epistemic and religious terms. Clayton breaks down the subject of Emergence and it's applicators to the Mind in several steps, all carefully outlined. If nothing else, it helps serve as a push back against the reductionist, physicalist takes that are so fashionable in some quarters. This is not a text to be tossed aside without careful examination, and it requires a considerable amount of careful reading. There are those who will, no doubt, chuck it aside as it will fail to meet the narrow dogmatism of their world views, but to do so is to risk missing the points it raises. It is dense, and not for someone who is not familiar with philosophy, quantum physics, the history of science, and trends in modern thought. It's not really for "beginners" but is an excellent resource for those interested in the field.

Am giving author five stars knowing I disagree with him alot. Yhe problem with this text is the price.Please, please understand, it is most often not the aithor who establishes price-publishers do that.

Philip Clayton's "Mind and Emergence" is a brilliant synthesis of emergent/complexity theory, contemporary philosophy, and constructive theology. As usual, Clayton really treats us to TWO books in one: a concise introduction to the various forms of emergence theory and some of the theory's major players (ala "The Emergence of Everything," by Harold Morowitz); AND a tentative but boldly original proposal for an emergentist "Theology of Mind," both individual and, yes, Transcendent/Cosmic. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the leading edge of the science and religion dialogue.

This book is fine if you are a philosopher and interested in the concept of emergence. But if you are looking for a readable book, this is not for you. Phillip Clayton can write in an understandable way, but in this book he uses a very hard to understand style.The book indicates that the concept of emergence is not well defined and the reader is likely to feel as confused after reading it as they did before. I would only recommend this book for an academic with a background in philosophy who is pursuing emergence as a concept. For the rest of us, it can be used as a sleep aid.

I have yet to read the book but the three reviews here are of no help whatever since they do nothing but explain their own philosophical views or lack of background in the subject matter.