New Books in Philosophy

Philip Goff, "Why? The Purpose of the Universe" (Oxford UP, 2023)

6 snips
Dec 10, 2023
Philip Goff argues for cosmic purposivism, the idea that the universe has a purpose separate from an all-powerful God. He discusses the evidence for cosmic purpose, including fine-tuning in physics and the role of dark energy. Goff explores the connection between cosmic purpose and the meaningfulness of life. He also talks about the conventionality in familiar structures revealed through great art and discusses his involvement in promoting his book and upcoming research projects.
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ANECDOTE

Childhood Tension Between Faith And Physics

  • Goff recalls childhood tension between church stories and scientific curiosity about the Big Bang.
  • That early question about Adam and Eve near the Big Bang shaped his lifelong interest in integrating narratives.
ADVICE

Consider Cosmic Purpose To Deepen Meaning

  • You can have a meaningful life without cosmic purpose, but cosmic purpose can deepen meaning.
  • Goff invites people to consider that contributing to a larger unfolding purpose can increase life's significance.
INSIGHT

Value Must Be Fundamental Or Absent

  • You cannot derive value facts from non-value facts, so value must either be denied or treated as fundamental.
  • Goff adopts value fundamentalism: moral and rational 'oughts' are real facts that must be basic.
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