The Ultimate Meaningfulness of the Universe

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Description: Is the universe ultimately meaningful, ordered to an end of transcendental value? Or is it merely the product of random interactions in which organization emerges only locally and by chance and is conserved only so long as rare and improbable conditions prevail? There can, in fact, be no more important question, for on the resolution of this question depends the significance of all our worldly labors. The Ultimate Meaningfulness of the Universe represents a new departure in this debate, arguing that because it describes rather than explains the universe, mathematical physics is radically incapable of addressing this question. The book argues for a new scientific research paradigm that while incorporating and building on the description of the universe supplied by modern mathematical physics, goes beyond it in a restored discipline of teleological explanation. The book sketches applications in the physical, biological, and social domains, and shows that powerful evidence already points toward the ultimate meaningfulness of the universe. Endorsements: "Anthony Mansueto's new book seeks to counteract two forms of nihilism that either disconnect God from the universe or argue that the universe has no ultimate meaning. Mansueto shows that ultimate good is grounded in the universe in a way that also provides the basis for criticism of social oppression systems. This is an important venture that deserves careful evaluation and response." --Rosemary R. Ruether, Claremont, California "This book--linked with a never-ending search for unity among human rationality, social analysis, and personal faith--is no cheap apologetics. Based on philosophy of sciences and sociology of knowledge, with vast and profound documentation, it intends to rehabilitate critically metaphysics . . . This approach, according to the author, is no less rational than physical, biological, and social. It gives them a response and finally points to God's existence." --François Houtart, Université Catholique de Louvain About the Contributor(s): Anthony Mansueto is Associate Professor of Global Studies and Director of General Education, University of the District of Columbia. He also serves as President and Senior Scholar at Seeking Wisdom.