Holism and Hidden Order: The Universe and Consciousness in Unfolding

Author: David Bohm / Hu Dingguo / Zhang Guiquan / Zha Youliang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: As an outstanding quantum physicist and the most active scientific thinker of his time, Professor Bohm developed a quantum theory in this book that treats existence as an undivided whole (including matter and spirit). Starting from the scientific background of the theory, the authors question the role of language in fragmented philosophical thinking and propose that our concepts of the universe and reality are themselves developing parts of this undivided whole. They introduce the concept of "implicate order," which means that within any relatively independent element, there is contained the sum of all elements (i.e., the totality of existence), much like the contact points of a folded piece of paper can contain the essential relationships of the complete image revealed when the paper is unfolded. The implicate order not only provides a consistent explanation for the new material properties implied by quantum theory but also for the active nature of consciousness and the relationship between matter and consciousness. Professor Bohm proposes a rational and scientific theory to explain the nature of cosmology and reality, as observed, without separating the object being explained from (our experienced) consciousness. The text is clear and free of obscure technical terms, making it particularly suitable for readers interested in physics, philosophy, psychology, and those engaged in research on the relationship between consciousness and matter. Colin Wilson commented: "Bohm was an incredibly inspiring thinker, and undoubtedly this is a work of first-class significance. I was particularly excited to discover a physicist of Bohm's stature attempting to bridge the gap between science and the philosophy of meaning."