New book explores big questions faced by humans and the cosmos

Published On Mon 16 Feb 2015 by Grant Hill

Antony Black , Emeritus Professor of Political Thought at the University of Dundee, has addressed some of the biggest questions of spirituality, humanity and morality in a new book published this week.

Humans and the Cosmos: Exploration and Mindfulness asks what kind of universe we live in, where do we fit into the galaxies and whether God explains it all? The book, which will be officially launched at the University’s Chaplaincy Centre on 19th February, also highlights the dangers of global warming, which he describes as “the greatest threat humanity has ever faced.”

Professor Black said, “What, if any, correlation is there between human history, culminating as it does in massive climate change, and the cosmos revealed by quantum mechanics, astrophysics and neo-Darwinism?

“We live in a staggering cosmos which only we understand and appreciate. We need to bring together science, the humanities, experience and self-awareness. The world revealed by modern science is a source of great wonder. Yet Darwinism makes belief in God virtually impossible.

“Death is a fact of life, but, unless we take drastic action, human life itself will become barely possible. What can we do to save our grandchildren? How can we find happiness without God and without destroying our descendants?”

The answer, he argues, is to learn how to live in a new way.

“We need to deepen our instincts for reciprocity and compassion. We can learn how to thrive in harsh circumstances with the help of the philosophy of both East and West. What survives of religion is peace, fraternity and mindfulness; these are essential if we are to evolve a sustainable, that is intelligent, way of living today.

"We can find satisfaction through art and exploration without deflowering the earth. And by mindfulness and meditation we can develop an inner space of still delight.”

Professor Black lectured for 40 years on Western political thought, Marxism, Islam and communitarianism. His previous publications include The West and Islam: Religion and Politics in World History (Oxford University Press, 2008).

The book, costing £11.95, can be bought from publishers AuthorHouse Uk and other retailers. All receipts from copies bought at the launch will go to Medecin sans Frontieres, leaders in the fight against ebola.

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