{"product_id":"why-the-purpose-of-the-universe-9780198967279","title":"Why? the Purpose of the Universe","description":"Western thought has been dominated by the dichotomy of traditional religion and secular atheism. But do we have to choose between these options? \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn this pioneering work, Philip Goff argues that it is time to move on from both God and atheism. Through an exploration of contemporary cosmology and cutting-edge philosophical research on consciousness, Goff argues for cosmic purpose: the idea that the universe is directed towards certain goals, such as the emergence of life. In contrast to religious thinkers, Goff argues that the traditional God is a bad explanation of cosmic purpose. Instead, he explores a range of alternative possibilities for accounting for cosmic purpose, from the speculation that we live in a computer simulation to the hypothesis that the universe itself is a conscious mind. Goff scrutinizes these options with analytical rigour, laying the foundations for a new paradigm of philosophical enquiry into the middle ground between God and atheism. Ultimately, Goff outlines a way of living in hope that cosmic purpose is still unfolding, involving political engagement and a non-literalist interpretation of traditional religion.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Philip Goff\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Oxford University Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 06\/11\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 208\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.51lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780198967279","brand":"Oxford University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46836619706505,"sku":"9780198967279","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0636\/9240\/6921\/files\/img_d37445e2-a658-4bfe-8f82-54f4b7df2bcd.jpg?v=1780441149","url":"https:\/\/sonsanddaughtersbooks.com\/products\/why-the-purpose-of-the-universe-9780198967279","provider":"Sons and Daughters Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}