Cosmology and consciousness: toward an ontological interpretation of contemporary science

An interdisciplinary philosophical review argues that contemporary science does not require a strictly materialist view of reality. The Big Bang theory implies a temporal beginning that raises questions about causality and the origin of physical laws. Quantum theory and information-based approaches describe reality in increasingly abstract, mathematical terms, challenging classical materialism. The informational character of DNA and the hard problem of consciousness further question reductive physicalism. The paper critically evaluates epistemological assumptions underlying modern science and suggests that recent scientific insights support an expanded concept of reality that includes an immaterial order, calling for a framework integrating scientific findings with philosophical and metaphysical perspectives.

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Abstract

This interdisciplinary philosophical review examines the relationship between contemporary science and ontological questions of reality, focusing on cosmology, quantum physics, biology, and consciousness studies. The Big Bang theory implies a temporal beginning of the universe, raising questions about causality and the origin of physical laws. Developments in quantum theory and information-based approaches describe reality in increasingly abstract, mathematical terms, challenging classical materialist interpretations. The informational character of DNA and the persistent hard problem of consciousness further question the adequacy of reductive physicalism. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the paper critically evaluates the epistemological assumptions underlying much of modern science and explores whether recent scientific insights support an expanded concept of reality that includes an immaterial order. It argues that contemporary science, when interpreted philosophically, does not necessitate a strictly materialist ontology and suggests the need for a more comprehensive framework integrating scientific findings with philosophical and metaphysical perspectives.