Dimensions of Life: A Systems Approach to the Inorganic and the Organic in Paul Tillich and Pierre Teilhard De Chardin

Abstract. Systems theory provides a surprisingly fruitful approach to several important ideas held in common by Paul Tillich and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. These include complexity or organization as the key to understanding the distinction between the inorganic and the organic, and hierarchy or le...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Zygon
Main Author: Huchingson, James E. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Wiley-Blackwell 2005
In: Zygon
Year: 2005, Volume: 40, Issue: 3, Pages: 751-758
Further subjects:B Self-awareness
B Hierarchy
B centeredness
B systems theory
B Ludwig von Bertalanffy
B Life
B Dimensions
B Spirit
B Potentiality
B levels
B Complexity
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Parallel Edition:Non-electronic
Description
Summary:Abstract. Systems theory provides a surprisingly fruitful approach to several important ideas held in common by Paul Tillich and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. These include complexity or organization as the key to understanding the distinction between the inorganic and the organic, and hierarchy or levels in complex systems. Teilhard and systems theorists accept hierarchy as fundamental. Tillich questions the concept and prefers “dimensions,” including the inorganic, organic, psychological, spiritual, and historical dimensions. Tillich's rejection of hierarchy is questioned, but significant correlations are discovered in the systems interpretation of the psychological and spiritual dimensions as well as in the use of “centeredness” by both thinkers.
ISSN:1467-9744
Contains:Enthalten in: Zygon
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9744.2005.00701.x