Dr. Andrew Davis, a process philosopher and Program Director for the Center for Process Studies, dives into the interconnectedness of mind, value, and the cosmos. He discusses what it means to be part of nature and the significance of experience in shaping metaphysical understanding. The conversation explores evolving concepts of God, critiques simplistic interpretations of religion, and emphasizes the quest for meaning in an unfinished cosmos. With insights from his diverse experiences, Davis invites listeners to rethink our relationship with existence.
Cosmological piety emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans with nature, urging us to recognize our relational existence in the cosmos.
Process philosophy highlights the constant evolution of reality, underscoring the interplay between mind and value in shaping human experience.
Religion is viewed as a necessary response to our quest for meaning, rooted in lived experiences rather than mere cultural constructs.
Deep dives
The Nature of Cosmological Piety
Cosmological piety emphasizes the relational aspect of existence, suggesting that human beings are embedded within a broader tapestry of nature. This interconnectedness implies that understanding our place in the cosmos requires acknowledging the fundamental relationships we share with all entities. Philosophy, particularly in a process framework, advocates for recognizing that everything in the universe is in a constant state of becoming, which informs our understanding of value and meaning. This perspective invites individuals to engage with the world not as detached subjects, but as integral parts of an evolving whole.
Pathways to Process Thought
Individuals may enter the realm of process thought through various pathways that intersect with scientific, ethical, and aesthetic inquiries. Scientific inquiry fosters a deep sense of value inherent in the pursuit of knowledge, while ethical dimensions compel individuals to consider moral implications in their decisions. Aesthetic experiences highlight the human relationship with beauty and creativity, suggesting that these values are not isolated but interconnected. The interplay of these pathways encourages a holistic understanding of existence that draws upon the complexities of both the inner and outer experiences.
The Importance of Mind and Value
In process philosophy, mind and value are posited as essential elements that shape the nature of reality and our understanding of it. Value is seen as a dynamic force influencing decisions and experiences, prompting individuals to navigate through various possibilities. Mind serves as the context that allows for the appreciation and discernment of value, suggesting a mutual interplay where each enriches the other. Thus, the exploration of consciousness and moral values gains relevance in understanding the fabric of existence and its implications for human experience.
The Role of Religion in Human Experience
Religion emerges as a response to the human quest for meaning and connection to the world, articulating the interplay of mind, value, and experience. It provides frameworks for individuals to navigate their understanding of existence while fostering a collective sense of purpose. Rather than being an abstract set of doctrines, religion reflects the inner dimensions of human life, grounding itself in the lived experiences of individuals. This approach encourages a view of religion as a phenomenon that grows out of necessity rather than a mere cultural construct.
Exploring the Cosmos and Our Place Within It
The universe is framed as an unfinished entity, continually evolving and influencing our understanding of life and existence. The recognition of the cosmos as an ongoing process underscores the significance of human contributions to the unfolding narrative of reality. Questions surrounding life beyond Earth and the nature of existence prompt deep philosophical inquiries that challenge traditional notions. This cosmic perspective invites both scientific and philosophical explorations of how we relate to the universe, encouraging a dynamic interaction between inquiry, experience, and existential understanding.
Andrew M. Davis is a philosopher, theologian and scholar of world religions. He is Program Director for the Center for Process Studies at Claremont School of Theology at Willamette University. A native of northern California, he was born and raised among the towering redwoods of Occidental and the meandering woodlands of Santa Rosa’s Bennett Valley. It was out these natural settings that his passion for the questions of philosophy, theology and religion first emerged. He holds B.A. in Philosophy and Theology, an M.A. in Interreligious Studies, and a Ph.D. in Religion and Process Philosophy from Claremont School of Theology. An educator and advocate of cross-cultural knowledge and religious literacy, his studies have led him to a variety of religious contexts and communities around the world, including India, Israel-Palestine, and Europe. He received the 2013 Award for Excellence in Biblical Studies, the 2017 fellowship with FASPE (Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics) and the 2020 Presidential Award for Academic Excellence. He was recently nominated and elected as a fellow for the International Society of Science and Religion (ISSR). He is a poet, aphorist and author or editor of several books including How I Found God in Everyone and Everywhere: An Anthology of Spiritual Memoirs (2018); Propositions in the Making: Experiments in a Whiteheadian Laboratory (2019); Depths as Yet Unspoken: Whiteheadian Excursions in Mysticism, Multiplicity, and Divinity (2020); Mind, Value, and Cosmos: On the Relational Nature of Ultimacy (2020); Nature In Process: Organic Proposals in Philosophy, Society and Religion (forthcoming, 2021); and Process Cosmology: New Integrations in Science and Philosophy (forthcoming, 2021).
