This volume introduces readers to emergence theory, outlines the major arguments in its defence, and summarizes the most powerful objections against it. It provides the clearest explication yet of this exciting new theory of science, which challenges the reductionist approach by proposing the continuous emergence of novel phenomena.

1. Conceptual Foundations of Emergence Theory, Philip Clayton

I. The Physical Sciences

2. The Physics of Downward Causation, Paul Davies

3. The Emergence of Classicality from Quantum Theory, Erich Joos

4. On the Nature of Emergent Reality, George F. R. Ellis

II. The Biological Sciences

5. Emergence: The Hole at the Wheel's Hub, Terrence Deacon

6. The Role of Emergence in Biology, Lynn Rothschild

7. Emergence in Social Evolution: A Great Ape Example, Barbara Smuts

III. Consciousness and Emergence

8. Being Realistic about Emergence, Jaegwon Kim

9. In Defence of Ontological Emergence and Mental Causation, Michael Silberstein

10. Emergence and Mental Causation, Nancey Murphy

11. Varieties of Emergence, David Chalmers

IV. Religion and Emergence

12. Emergence, Mind, and Divine Action: The Hierarchy of the Sciences in Relation to the Human Mind-Brain-Body, Arthur Peacocke

13. Emergence: What is at Stake for Religious Reflection?, Niels Henrik Gregersen

14. Emergence from Quantum Physics to Religion: A Critical Appraisal, Philip Clayton