Evolution's Purpose

Does the science of evolution really prove that life, humanity, and the universe as a whole are meaningless accidents? On the contrary, as science has increasingly shown how everything in the universe is subject to evolution—including matter, life, and human culture—these very facts reveal that the process of evolution is unmistakably progressive. As we come to see how evolution has progressed throughout our cosmology, biology, and human culture, this reveals evolution’s purpose—to grow toward ever-widening realizations of beauty, truth, and goodness. McIntosh argues that the purpose of evolution is not "intelligently designed" or otherwise externally controlled; rather, its purpose is being creatively and originally discerned through the choices of evolutionary creatures themselves. Without relying on any spiritual authorities, the author shows how the scientific story of our origins is actually a profound and sacred teaching compatible with many forms of contemporary spirituality. In EVOLUTION’S PURPOSE, McIntosh discusses: * Science’s growing recognition of the phenomenon of emergence, which ties together all forms of evolution * Why traditional philosophies no longer adequately explain the fullness of evolution * Why the idea that evolution is accidental or meaningless is just as mythical as the idea that the world was created in six days * Why growth toward beauty, truth, and goodness harmonizes with scientific truth * Reconciling evolution’s purpose with the presence of evil and suffering in the world Taking us from pre-biotic forms of life right up through the development of human consciousness and our global civilization, McIntosh presents a fresh and compelling view of evolutionary science and philosophy that will inspire a deeper understanding of evolution itself and show how it can lead directly to a more evolved world.

Does the science of evolution really prove that life, humanity, and the universe as a whole are meaningless accidents? On the contrary, as science has increasingly shown how everything in the universe is subject to evolution—including matter, life, and human culture—these very facts reveal that the process of evolution is unmistakably progressive. As we come to see how evolution has progressed throughout our cosmology, biology, and human culture, this reveals evolution’s purpose—to grow toward ever-widening realizations of beauty, truth, and goodness. McIntosh argues that the purpose of evolution is not "intelligently designed" or otherwise externally controlled; rather, its purpose is being creatively and originally discerned through the choices of evolutionary creatures themselves. Without relying on any spiritual authorities, the author shows how the scientific story of our origins is actually a profound and sacred teaching compatible with many forms of contemporary spirituality. In EVOLUTION’S PURPOSE, McIntosh discusses: * Science’s growing recognition of the phenomenon of emergence, which ties together all forms of evolution * Why traditional philosophies no longer adequately explain the fullness of evolution * Why the idea that evolution is accidental or meaningless is just as mythical as the idea that the world was created in six days * Why growth toward beauty, truth, and goodness harmonizes with scientific truth * Reconciling evolution’s purpose with the presence of evil and suffering in the world Taking us from pre-biotic forms of life right up through the development of human consciousness and our global civilization, McIntosh presents a fresh and compelling view of evolutionary science and philosophy that will inspire a deeper understanding of evolution itself and show how it can lead directly to a more evolved world.

STEVE MCINTOSH J.D. is a leader in the integral philosophy movement and author of Integral Consciousness and the Future of Evolution. He currently works as a Founding Partner of the new social policy foundation, The Institute for Cultural Evolution. In addition to this think tank, and his work in philosophy, McIntosh has had a variety of other successful careers, including founding the consumer products company Now & Zen, practicing law with one of America’s largest firms, working as an executive with Celestial Seasonings Tea Company, and Olympic-class bicycle racing. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia Law School and the University of Southern California Business School. He now lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife and two sons.