Three Big Bangs - 9780231156394

"Three Big Bangs is a scientifically informed meditation on three major historical developments of complexity that led to the existence of human beings in an evolving universe, examining the degree to which these developments were inevitable or simply the result of chance. Holmes Rolston Ill brings to the task a profound knowledge of biological development, and a deep wisdom about human nature."---George Ellis, University of Cape Town

By Dividing the Creation of matter, energy, life, and mind into three big bangs, Holmes Rolston III brings into focus a history of the universe that respects both scientific discovery and the potential presence of an underlying intelligence. Matter-energy appears, initially in simpler forms but with a remarkable capacity for generating heavier elements. The size and expansion rate of the universe, the nature of electromagnetism, gravity, and nuclear forces enable the explosion of life on earth. DNA discovers, stores, and transfers information generating billions of species. Cognitive capacities escalate, and with neural sentience this results in human genius.

A massive singularity, the human mind gives birth to language and culture, increaseing the brain's complexity and promoting the spread of ideas. Ideas generate ideals, which lead life to take on spirit. The nature of matter-energy, genes, and their genesis therefore encourages humans to wonder where they are, who they are, and what they should do.