Hierarchical Emergent Ontology and the Universal Principle of Emergence

A new perspective on emergence, based on a hierarchical emergent ontology, unifies classical reductionism and allows for a single, universal principle of emergence to be applied across various fields of science. This approach is demonstrated through its application to cellular automata, quantum Hall effects, and the neural network of the mind, proving its practical utility in explanation and prediction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book presents a fresh perspective on emergence by adopting a hierarchical emergent ontology framework. It is acknowledged as a universal principle, on par with the principle of evolution. This is accomplished by establishing the ontological criteria for emergence and the diverse roles these criteria fulfill. The traditional dichotomies, such as the synchronic and diachronic perspectives, are transcended, enabling the application of a single, universal principle of emergence across various scientific domains.

As exemplars of its practical applicability in both explanation and prediction, this novel approach is applied to three distinct scientific fields: cellular automata, quantum Hall effects, and the neural network of the mind. Through these applications, it is demonstrated that the resulting metaphysics of hierarchical emergent ontology plays a pivotal role in unifying science, a task that was previously deemed impossible under classical reductionism.

This book offers a transformative understanding of emergence, shedding light on the interconnectedness of the natural world and paving the way for a more comprehensive and unified scientific understanding.

Weight: 421g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030981501
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022