Wolfgang Smith fait le pont entre les disciplines des mathématiques et de la physique d'une part, et la théologie, la métaphysique et la religion d'autre part. Ses qualifications uniques lui permettent de s'exprimer avec une autorité peu commune sur des questions pertinentes pour les chercheurs religieux et scientifiques contemporains. Tout en publiant abondamment sur la topologie algébrique et différentielle, sa fascination de toujours pour la métaphysique et la théologie l'a amené à explorer Platon, les néoplatoniciens et la tradition védantique de l'Inde. Il s'est ensuite consacré à l'étude théologique, entamant une carrière d'auteur catholique d'ouvrages métaphysiques.
The book presents a unique tripartite conception of the cosmos, which is essential for addressing significant issues in contemporary science, including the measurement problem in quantum theory. Its accessible approach makes complex ideas understandable to educated readers, promising to reshape their understanding of reality.
Wolfgang Smith accomplishes a re-integration of the physical sciences into a worldview banished since the Enlightenment yet perfectly accommodative of every legitimate discovery of science. This worldview proves to be precisely what is needed to resolve the quandary of the quantum paradox, which has stymied theoretical physicists since 1927!
Breaking Through the Barrier of Scientistic Belief
The book presents a dual focus, providing a radical critique of contemporary society while also exploring timeless wisdom. It argues that access to this enduring knowledge is hindered by prevailing scientistic beliefs, emphasizing the need to transcend these limitations to uncover true understanding. Through its exploration, it aims to challenge modern perspectives and illuminate deeper philosophical insights.
The book critiques the traditional Cartesian view of bifurcation in modern physics, arguing that it is inadequate, especially in light of quantum theory, which has made understanding physics increasingly difficult. It proposes a straightforward Platonist ontology that repositions quantum theory within a broader hierarchy of existence, aiming to clarify and enhance comprehension of the fundamental principles of physics.
Focusing on humanity's pursuit of immortality, this monograph explores the essence of religion through the lens of Wolfgang Smith's dual background in Christianity and the Vedic tradition. His unique perspective allows for an insightful examination of spiritual beliefs and practices, bridging Eastern and Western thought. Smith's deep understanding of both traditions enriches the discussion, providing a nuanced analysis of the quest for eternal life.
"In 1910, Agnes Carter makes the wrong choice in marriage. After years as an independent woman of fortune, influential with the board of a prominent university because of her financial donations, she is now subject to the whims of an abusive, spendthrift husband. But when Bohemian naturalist and glassblower Ignace Novak reignites Agnes's passion for science, Agnes begins to imagine a different life, and she sets her mind to getting it. Agnes's desperate actions breed secrecy, and the resulting silence echoes into the future. Her son, Edward, wants to be a man of faith but struggles with the complexities of the mortal world while apprenticing at a stained-glass studio. In 1986, Edward's child, Novak-just Novak-is an acrobatic window washer cleaning Manhattan high-rises, who gets caught up in the plight of Cecily, a small town girl remade as a gender-bending Broadway ingénue. And in 2015, Cecily's daughter Flip-a burned-out stoner trapped in a bureaucratic job firing cremains into keepsake glass ornaments-resolves to break the cycle of inherited secrets, reaching back through the generations in search of a family legacy that feels true"--
Exploring the intersection of science and mythology, Wolfgang Smith delves into the metaphysical implications of scientific discoveries, particularly in visual perception and the mind-brain relationship. He critically engages with Stephen Hawking's "The Grand Design," summarizing and then systematically dismantling Hawking's argument that the universe's existence can be solely explained through science. Smith concludes by advocating for a metaphysical perspective that transcends scientific understanding, emphasizing a deeper vision of reality.
The correspondence between Wolfgang Smith and Malachi Martin delves into the essence of authentic Catholicity and the universality of Catholic truth. They confront an "intellectual impasse" that has hindered theologians, advocating for a return to ancient wisdom rather than modern updates. Their discussions emphasize the importance of opening up theological and cosmological perspectives, seeking to rediscover profound insights that have been overlooked. This dialogue challenges contemporary interpretations and aims to deepen understanding of Catholic truths.
Wolfgang Smith critically examines the blend of Science and Christianity proposed by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, which gained traction during the Second Vatican Council and has influenced modern Catholic thought. He argues that this ideology, often perceived as scientific, can lead Catholics astray with heretical ideas. Through a rigorous analysis, Smith not only refutes Teilhard's "science-fiction theology" but also revitalizes essential metaphysical and theological concepts from the Greek and Latin Fathers for today's readers.
A Critique of Contemporary Scientism
Exploring the intersection of physical sciences and traditional wisdom, the author reveals how contemporary misconceptions can be dismantled to uncover deeper truths. Drawing on the ideas of Sir Arthur Eddington, he argues that the physical universe is shaped by the experimental physicist's strategies. The book examines astrophysics, intelligent design, and vertical causation, ultimately suggesting that traditional cosmology offers essential insights into scientific understanding, challenging the prevailing views since the Enlightenment.