About this ebook
Science says our minds emerge from wholly unknowing matter. The idea that mind and matter are, in fact, one and the same has long been considered an elegant, although impractical answer to the question above.
The Case for a Living Universe argues there is an element of mind in all matter, and that our consciousness is one instance of an aware intelligence present throughout nature. Unlike most philosophy books, it gives the non-human world its proper status, by describing recent studies into animal cognition and the clever behaviours of some non-animal life. It examines how Western culture, through religion, science and philosophy, have worked to separate us from nature, and argues the reason mind in nature is usually considered an eccentric or mystical idea, is because we humans have wrongly elevated ourselves above all other species.
As Charles Darwin once wrote: "He who understands baboon would do more towards metaphysics than Locke."
About the author
Matthew is an IT professional from Bristol UK with a BA in English and Philosophy. He was brought up equally passionate about the arts and the sciences, and has always been fascinated by how other animals perceive the world. He practices Yoga, Qi Qong, meditates, walks, and is an enthusiastic tennis player. He has been fortunate enough to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins on several occasions. The Case for a Living Universe is his first book.
James has been in science journalism and publishing for over 25 years, as a writer and sub-editor for science magazines. He worked as senior sub-editor at the UK's New Scientist magazine, and was science production editor at The Guardian newspaper.
James is also the author of two books: Siddhartha's Brain: Unlocking the Ancient Science of Enlightenment (2016) Mariner Books. And Am I Dreaming?: The New Science of Consciousness, and How Altered States Reboot the Brain (2019), Atlantic Books.
