Why? The Purpose of the Universe

Book written by Philip Goff

Why are we here? What’s the point of existence? On the “big questions” of meaning and purpose, Western thought has been dominated by the dichotomy of traditional religion and secular atheism. In this pioneering work, Philip Goff argues that it is time to move on from both God and atheism. Through an exploration of contemporary cosmology and cutting-edge philosophical research on consciousness, Goff argues for cosmic purpose: the idea that the universe is directed towards certain goals, such as the emergence of life.

In contrast to religious thinkers, Goff argues that the traditional God is a bad explanation of cosmic purpose. Instead, he explores a range of alternative possibilities for accounting for cosmic purpose, from the speculation that we live in a computer simulation to the hypothesis that the universe itself is a conscious mind. Goff scrutinizes these options with analytical rigor, laying the foundations for a new paradigm of philosophical inquiry into the middle ground between God and atheism. Ultimately, Goff outlines a way of living in hope that cosmic purpose is still unfolding, involving political engagement and a non-literalist interpretation of traditional religion.

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Commentary by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times

The above book seems to be a hedge between theism and atheistic world view. In that sense I take it as a welcome effort that it has tried to move the compass away from the aimlessness perspective of atheism, where the atheists call the universe to be pointless and without any purpose.

By, maintaining an openness and hearing all sides, and answering the question of suffering, I believe we can gradually win this debate and show the world that Allah created this universe with a purpose in mind as is repeatedly claimed in the holy Quran.

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