Evolution's Purpose: An Integral Interpretation of the Scientific Story of Our Origins

by Steve McIntosh

Overview

Does the science of evolution really prove that life, humanity, and the universe as a whole are meaningless accidents? On the contrary, as science has shown how everything in the universe is subject to evolution, including matter, life, and human culture, these very facts reveal that the process of evolution is unmistakably progressive.  And, as Steve McIntosh demonstrates, when we come to see how evolution progresses, this reveals evolution's purpose-to grow toward ever-widening realizations of beauty, truth, and goodness. McIntosh argues that the purpose of evolution is not intelligently designed or otherwise externally controlled; rather, its purpose is being creatively and originally discerned through the choices of the evolutionary creatures themselves. Without relying on spiritual authorities, the author shows how the scientific story of our origins is actually a profound and sacred teaching compatible with many forms of contemporary spirituality. Evolution's Purpose: An Integral Interpretation of the Scientific Story of Our Origins presents a fresh and compelling view of evolutionary science and philosophy, and shows how a deeper understanding of evolution itself can lead directly to a more evolved world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781590792209
Publisher:	SelectBooks
Publication date:	10/01/2012
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

STEVE MCINTOSH J.D. is a leader in the integral philosophy movement andauthor of the recent book, Evolution's Purpose, as well as the acclaimed2007 book, Integral Consciousness. He is also a co-founder of the new thinktank: The Institute for Cultural Evolution. In addition to the think tankand his work in philosophy, McIntosh has had a variety of other successfulcareers, including founding the consumer products company Now & Zen,practicing law with one of America's largest firms, working as an executivewith Celestial Seasonings Tea Company, and Olympic-class bicycle racing. Heis a graduate of the University of Virginia Law School and the University ofSouthern California Business School, and now lives in Boulder, Colorado withhis wife and two sons. For more on his work, visit: www.stevemcintosh.com

Editorial Reviews

McIntosh is persuasive in his arguments that the scientific facts of evolution cannot stand alone . . . science shows that historical evolution, whatever its contingencies, is itself on a trajectory of values development. McIntosh has well-researched his sources and integrated them with seminal insight. — Holmes Rolston III, Ph.D., winner of the 2003 Templeton prize and author of Environmental Ethics

It's so easy to feel overwhelmed by the dramatic turn of world events. Evolution's Purpose presents another view of the chaos . . . that humanity is evolving in an ultimately purposeful way, lending both meaning and illumination to our individual and collective struggles. Steve McIntosh's brilliant ideas are both stimulating and comforting, as he lays out a theory of our evolution that is both scientifically and spiritually profound. — Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love

A truly excellent, clear and convincing contribution to our understanding of where evolution is taking us, and in that context, what the deeper meaning may be of the Worldshift we are now facing. Should be read by everyone who is willing to wake up and take a responsible role in shaping our common destiny. — Ervin Laszlo, Ph.D., Distinguished system scientist, President of the Club of Budapest and author of over 30 books on evolution

Evolution's Purpose is a masterpiece! With both uninhibited passion and fierce intellect, philosopher Steve McIntosh deconstructs the materialist paradigm with the precision of an expert neurosurgeon. With gentle persistence and irrefutable logic, he reveals many of the false assumptions in scientific, cultural, and spiritual orientations about our presence in the universe that are less than integral. He takes us on a fascinating journey through the history and evolution of our own conscious and unconscious beliefs, finally delivering us with a truth that is impossible to deny or avoid: We are part of a process that has a direction and through awakening to this life-affirming truth, we discover a sense of purpose that changes everything. — Andrew Cohen, author of Evolutionary Enlightenment and founder of EnlightenNext Magazine

From the Publisher