Why are we here? What is the purpose of existence? In the "big questions" of meaning and purpose, Western thought has been dominated by the duality of traditional religion and secular atheism. In this groundbreaking work, Philip Goff argues that it is time to move beyond God and atheism. Through an exploration of modern cosmology and pioneering philosophical research on consciousness, Goff advocates the concept of cosmic purpose: the idea that the universe is directed towards certain objectives, such as the emergence of life.

Unlike religious thinkers, Goff argues that the traditional God is a poor explanation of cosmic purpose. Instead, he explores a range of alternative possibilities for explaining cosmic purpose, from the hypothesis that we live in a computational simulation to the notion that the universe itself is a conscious intelligence. Goff examines these options with analytical rigor, laying the foundations for a new tradition of philosophical inquiry situated between God and atheism. Ultimately, Goff describes a way of life with the hope that cosmic purpose is still evolving, incorporating political engagement and a non-literal interpretation of traditional religion.

Pages: 208, Dimensions: 14.4x14.4cm