The Mystical Experience of Evolution: Alfred Russel Wallace, Ernst Haeckel, and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.
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| Title: | The Mystical Experience of Evolution: Alfred Russel Wallace, Ernst Haeckel, and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. |
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| Authors: | Lindholm, Markus (AUTHOR), Gray, Erika Lynn (AUTHOR), Eftestøl, Torbjørn (AUTHOR), Sparby, Terje (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science. Jun2026, Vol. 61 Issue 2, p446-467. 22p. |
| Subjects: | Mysticism, Metaphysics, Human evolution, Deep ecology, Wallace, Alfred Russel, 1823-1913, Consciousness, Haeckel, Ernst Heinrich Philipp August, 1834-1919, Teilhard de Chardin, Pierre, 1881-1955 |
| Abstract: | Evolution is frequently regarded as evidence of an atheistic–mechanistic worldview. Still, it implies that life, and thus also consciousness and knowledge, is a developmental phenomenon and inherently unfinished. Here, we define this condition as the mystical dimension of evolution and apply it to examine how three early evolutionary thinkers came to advocate a metaphysical view of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace outlined an evolutionary cosmology centered on the emergence of human self-awareness. Ernst Haeckel advanced a monistic view of evolution in which matter and spirit are two sides of the same coin, and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin regarded consciousness as the unifying trajectory of an evolutionary process that encompasses the entire universe. The article then compares the mystical–evolutionary perspectives to contemporary evolutionary thought. Particular attention is given to the question of reality's inner aspect, the origin of consciousness, and the discussions surrounding the anthropic principle. We then address possible implications of evolutionary mysticism for deep ecology and environmentalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science is the property of Open Library of Humanities and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Evolution is frequently regarded as evidence of an atheistic–mechanistic worldview. Still, it implies that life, and thus also consciousness and knowledge, is a developmental phenomenon and inherently unfinished. Here, we define this condition as the mystical dimension of evolution and apply it to examine how three early evolutionary thinkers came to advocate a metaphysical view of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace outlined an evolutionary cosmology centered on the emergence of human self-awareness. Ernst Haeckel advanced a monistic view of evolution in which matter and spirit are two sides of the same coin, and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin regarded consciousness as the unifying trajectory of an evolutionary process that encompasses the entire universe. The article then compares the mystical–evolutionary perspectives to contemporary evolutionary thought. Particular attention is given to the question of reality's inner aspect, the origin of consciousness, and the discussions surrounding the anthropic principle. We then address possible implications of evolutionary mysticism for deep ecology and environmentalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 05912385 |
| DOI: | 10.16995/zygon.24191 |
