Book contents
- Biology, Religion, and Philosophy
- Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy and Biology
- Biology, Religion, and Philosophy
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Part I General Issues
- 1 Science, Biology, and Religion
- 2 The Origin and Nature of Life
- 3 The Question of Design in Living Systems
- 4 Biology and the Problem of Natural Evil
- 5 Progress, Purpose, and Providence
- Part II Religion and Human Biology
- Glossary
- Further Reading
- Index
5 - Progress, Purpose, and Providence
from Part I - General Issues
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 March 2021
- Biology, Religion, and Philosophy
- Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy and Biology
- Biology, Religion, and Philosophy
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Part I General Issues
- 1 Science, Biology, and Religion
- 2 The Origin and Nature of Life
- 3 The Question of Design in Living Systems
- 4 Biology and the Problem of Natural Evil
- 5 Progress, Purpose, and Providence
- Part II Religion and Human Biology
- Glossary
- Further Reading
- Index
Summary
The history of the universe – from the Big Bang to Homo sapiens – is nothing short of breathtaking. The whole process started off with a violent explosion, went through various stages of cosmic structuring and cooling as galaxies and their solar systems developed, produced at least one planet – Earth – that contained life-supporting conditions and eventually produced life leading to humanity as we know it. In reflecting on the extended development of physical reality, important questions arise regarding whether the universe in general displays a discernible directionality and even whether biological reality is goal-oriented, perhaps with the aim of bringing forth Homo sapiens.
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- Information
- Biology, Religion, and PhilosophyAn Introduction, pp. 104 - 130Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2021