Ultimate Reality and Meaning and the Cosmic Information Field

"A Reply to Prof. J. Patrick Mohr's 'Ultimate Reality and Symbol' Ultimate Reality and Meaning, 3: 316-329." Ultimate Reality and Meaning, 4(4), p. 317

Abstract.The authors undertake a thought experiment the purpose of which is to explore possibilities for understanding moral principles in analogy with cosmic order. The experiment is based on three proposals, which are described in detail: an ontological, a neurological, and a moral proposal. The ontological proposal accepts from the phenomena of quantum physics that there is a nonempirical domain of physical reality that consists not of material things but of what is philosophically conceptualized as a realm of nonmaterial forms. This realm of forms is the realm of potentiality in physical reality that quantum physics posits as an indivisible Wholeness—the One. It is the ultimate reality because everything empirical is the actualization of its forms. The neurological proposal is the hypothesis that the brain is sensitive to the potentiality waves in the cosmic field, as ordinary measuring instruments in physics are sensitive to potentiality waves at the quantum level, so that the cosmic field can communicate with the human brain. The third proposal assumes that the communication with the cosmic field can translate into moral ideas and actions. Even though the three proposals underlying the thought experiment are highly speculative, they lead to definite implications that make sense in their own right and can be applied in a useful way. From the order of reality some simple rules of conduct follow that are identical with traditional moral rules but have the character of rules of well‐ness, leading to new aspects of Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia and Kant's concept of the highest good. In analogy with the structure of physical reality, where all empirical phenomena are actualizations of nonempirical forms, it is suggested that the structure of morality, too, is that of a tacit, nonempirical form that actualizes in explicit principles and moral acts through our consciousness. The tacit form is thought to exist in the realm of cosmic potentiality, together with all the other forms that the empirical world actualizes. It can appear spontaneously in our consciousness when needed, offering its guidance to our judgment and free will. Because it does not appear in the form of commandments accompanied by threats, the actions of the tacit moral form define a higher level of morality, similar to that offered by some aspects of the Christian teaching, where one acts not out of fear but on the desire to do things right.

Sixth Biennial Meeting of the International Society for the Study of Human Ideas on Ultimate Reality and Meaning, Toronto, August 21 – 24, 1991 Get access Sociology of Religion, Volume 51, Issue 3, Fall 1990, Page 330, https://doi.org/10.1093/socrel/51.3.330 Published: 01 October 1990

Ultimate Reality and Meaning in Africa: Some Methodological Preliminaries. A Test Case: Sound As Ultimate reality and Meaning (<i>URAM</i> 10: 29–38)

Human Mind as a Way to God. A Comment on William H. Crocker's' Ultimate Reality and Meaning for the Ramkókamekra-Canela' (URAM 6: 84-112)

This paper examines radical propositions that the ultimate reality was a constantly shifting and euphoric flux of fragmentary forces. In the history of ideas these models of reality were proposed by counter-cultural and poststructuralist theorists who wanted to liberate consciousness from an instrumental social reality. For thinkers such as R.D. Laing, Timothy Leary and Deleuze and Guattari conditions such as schizophrenia and the unconscious, and the role of desire and hallucinogenic drugs provided insight into an expanded psyche and access to the ultimate reality. Emerging from a tradition of intellectual dissent, and driven by an idealistic desire to cure the world’s ills, these writers placed their faith in misological and ecstatic utopias.

To set stage for our class these next few mornings, I want to cite opening paragraph from a brochure advertising recently-founded scholarly journal URAM-standing for Ultimate Reality and Meaning. With launching of Ultimate Reality and Meaning, brochure says rather extravagantly, the future of theology has begun. It is, of course, preposterous to identify any one publishing venture as future of theology. In fact, I cite this bold consciousness of something-new-in-theology just because it is so typical of a widespread alteration that has been taking place-long before founding of this journal -in self-understanding of religious traditions in modern history. What is this alteration? The brochure continues: QuotingJ. B. Metz, Karl Rahner has remarked that theology of future cannot simply reject other universal interpretations of world and human existence. It must try to discover in them certain patterns of thought and consciousness and benefit from them for ever greater possibilities of faith. In such ideals theology may find one of its own potentialities which it has failed to discover . . . Pope Paul VI called for a of . . . and John Paul has emphasized that we cannot develop a better and deeper understanding ofJesus Christ unless we come close to magnificent heritage of human spirit and approach all cultures, all ideological concepts and all people, since humanity is 'primary and fundamental way for Church traced out by Christ himself.' Clearly, this statement comes at things from a Christian angle, but there is also remarkable interest in emerging dialogue of salvation (to use Pope Paul's phrase) with other traditions as well, a sign of rising awareness of common humanity that is an encouraging feature of our global scene today. Let us note briefly some of salient factors that force current theologizing, under whatever traditional banners, to ponder interfaith issues with unprecedented seriousness.

Find information about UTP Journals. University of Toronto Press is Canada’s leading academic publisher and one of the largest university presses in North America, with particular strengths in the social sciences, humanities, and business. The Book Publishing Division is widely recognized in Canada for its strength in history, political science, sociology, Indigenous studies, and cultural studies. Internationally, UTP is a leading publisher of medieval, Renaissance, Italian, Iberian, Slavic, and urban studies, as well as studies in book and print culture.

How Is Heidegger’s Response to the Question Concerning Ultimate Reality and Meaning to Be Understood? A Contribution to ‘Martin Heidegger’s Understanding of Ultimate Reality and Meaning’ by M. Gelven, <i>URAM</i> 3: 114–134

John Locke on Ultimate Reality and Meaning

Find information about UTP Journals. University of Toronto Press is Canada’s leading academic publisher and one of the largest university presses in North America, with particular strengths in the social sciences, humanities, and business. The Book Publishing Division is widely recognized in Canada for its strength in history, political science, sociology, Indigenous studies, and cultural studies. Internationally, UTP is a leading publisher of medieval, Renaissance, Italian, Iberian, Slavic, and urban studies, as well as studies in book and print culture.

Find information about UTP Journals. University of Toronto Press is Canada’s leading academic publisher and one of the largest university presses in North America, with particular strengths in the social sciences, humanities, and business. The Book Publishing Division is widely recognized in Canada for its strength in history, political science, sociology, Indigenous studies, and cultural studies. Internationally, UTP is a leading publisher of medieval, Renaissance, Italian, Iberian, Slavic, and urban studies, as well as studies in book and print culture.

Saint Anselm of Canterbury on Ultimate Reality and Meaning

The Holocaust as a Challenge to Jewish Thoughts on Ultimate Reality and Meaning

Find information about UTP Journals. University of Toronto Press is Canada’s leading academic publisher and one of the largest university presses in North America, with particular strengths in the social sciences, humanities, and business. The Book Publishing Division is widely recognized in Canada for its strength in history, political science, sociology, Indigenous studies, and cultural studies. Internationally, UTP is a leading publisher of medieval, Renaissance, Italian, Iberian, Slavic, and urban studies, as well as studies in book and print culture.