Description
Book SynopsisTwo questions fundamental to human existence have always been the metaphysical “where do I fit in the grand scheme of things?” and the ethical “how should I behave?” Religion is no longer a source of answers for many people, and nothing has replaced it. Moore uses his signature framework-based approach to answer these questions, taking us on an intellectual roller coaster ride through physics, chemistry, biology, the social sciences and the humanities. Along the way, he builds a metaphorical ladder that leads from the big bang to the need for ethical action in our daily lives. Combining an extraordinary range of scholarship with an accessible and entertaining writing style, The Infinite Staircase: What the Universe Tells Us About Life, Ethics, and Mortality provides a coherent and unified platform for a full human life.
Table of ContentsContents
Preface
Part One: Metaphysics
Chapter 1: The Purpose of Metaphysics
The Infinite Staircase
Chapter 2: The Metaphysics of Entropy
What Is Entropy?
Stair 1: Physics: Entropy and the Aftermath of the Big Bang
Stair 2: Chemistry: The Emergence of Emergence
Stair 3: Biology: “. . . Then a Miracle Occurs”
Chapter 3: The Metaphysics of Darwinism
What Is Darwinism?
Stair 4: Desire: The Darwinian Mean
Stair 5: Consciousness: A Darwinian Theory of Forms
Stair 6: Values: A Darwinian Social Contract
Stair 7: Culture: The Transformation of Evolution: From Genes to Memes
Chapter 4: The Metaphysics of Memes
What Are Memes?
Stair 8: Language: The Fabric and Fabricator of Memes
Stair 9: Narrative: Inventing Strategies for Living
Stair 10: Analytics: Testing and Refining Strategies for Living
Stair 11: Theory: One Meme to Rule Them All
Chapter 5: Being: A Bridge to Ethics
Part Two: Ethics
Chapter 6: Making the Turn
Chapter 7: Understanding Goodness
Chapter 8: Honoring the Ego
Chapter 9: Doing Good
Chapter 10: Being Mortal
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
Bibliography
Index
