Emergence, emergentism and pragmatism

In this paper, I argue for the usefulness of pragmatism as a framework within which to develop the theological application of emergentist theory. I consider some philosophical issues relevant to the recent revival of interest, across various disciplines, in the concept of emergence and clarify some...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Theology and science
Main Author: Bennett-Hunter, Guy (Author)
Format: Electronic/Print Article
Language:English
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Published: Routledge 2015
In: Theology and science
RelBib Classification:NAA Systematic theology
VA Philosophy
VB Hermeneutics; Philosophy
Online Access: Presumably Free Access
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Summary:In this paper, I argue for the usefulness of pragmatism as a framework within which to develop the theological application of emergentist theory. I consider some philosophical issues relevant to the recent revival of interest, across various disciplines, in the concept of emergence and clarify some of the conceptual issues at stake in the attempts to formulate the philosophical position of emergentism and to apply it theologically. After highlighting some major problems arising from the main existing ways of formulating emergentism, I build on the work of Sami Pihlström, outlining a less problematic, alternative proposal. I attempt to show that the philosophical problems can be circumvented by an appeal to the pragmatist tradition, which is a useful philosophical framework within which to develop an emergentist theory fit for theological application.
ISSN:1474-6700
Contains:In: Theology and science
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/14746700.2015.1053760