Jeaneane Fowler - Causality: Macrocosmic and Microcosmic Theories of Cause and Effect in Belief Systems

Causality

Macrocosmic and Microcosmic Theories of
Cause and Effect in Belief Systems

The Sussex Library of Religious Beliefs & Practices

This series is intended for students of religion, social sciences and history, and for the interested layperson. It is concerned with the beliefs and practices of religions in their social, cultural and historical setting. These books will be of particular interest to Religious Studies teachers and students at universities, colleges, and high schools. Inspection copies available on request.

Published

The Ancient EgyptiansRosalie David

The Bhagavad Gita: A text and commentary for studentsJeaneane Fowler

BuddhismMerv Fowler

Causality: Macrocosmic and Microcosmic Theories of Cause and Effect in Belief Systems

Jeaneane Fowler

Chinese ReligionsJeaneane Fowler and Merv Fowler

Christian Theology: The Spiritual TraditionJohn Glyndwr Harris

GnosticismJohn Glyndwr Harris

HinduismJeaneane Fowler (published 1997, compact 192-page edition)

Hinduism: Beliefs & Practices (Major Deities and Social Structures), expanded edition

Hinduism: Beliefs & Practices (Religious History and Philosophy), expanded edition

Hindu GoddessesLynn Foulston

HumanismJeaneane Fowler

IslamDavid Norcliffe

The JewsAlan Unterman

The Protestant Reformation: Tradition and PracticeMadeleine Gray

SikhismW. Owen Cole and Piara Singh Sambhi

Tai Chi ChanJeaneane Fowler and Shifu Keith Ewers

Zen BuddhismMerv Fowler

ZoroastrianismPeter Clark

Of related interest

Chanting in the Hillsides: Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism in Wales and the Borders

Jeaneane Fowler and Merv Fowler

An Introduction to the Philosophy and Religion of Taoism: Pathways to Immortality

Jeaneane Fowler

Perspectives of Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Hinduism

Jeaneane Fowler

World Religions: An Introduction for Students

Jeaneane Fowler, Merv Fowler, David Norcliffe, Nora Hill and Diane Watkins

Causality

Macrocosmic and Microcosmic Theories of
Cause and Effect in Belief Systems

JEANEANE FOWLER

Copyright Jeaneane Fowler, 2020..

Published in the Sussex Academic e-Library, 2020.

SUSSEX ACADEMIC PRESS

PO Box 139, Eastbourne BN24 9BP, UK

Ebook editions distributed worldwide by

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814 N. Franklin Street

Chicago, IL 60610, USA

ISBN 9781845198824 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781782846352 (Epub)

ISBN 9781782846352 (Kindle)

ISBN 9781782846352 (Pdf)

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Contents

Preface and Acknowledgements

Several years ago I was invited by Sussex Academic Press to write this present book but, in the interim period, other books took priority. Now that this one is completed, I am able to reflect on it as one that I have enjoyed writing more than any other. It became an enlightening personal journey not so much in the exploration of the chosen religious systems but, particularly, in exploration of our Universe in both its macrocosmic immensity and microcosmic perplexities at the quantum level of reality. Richard Gombrich once said: The more I study, the more vividly I become aware of my literally infinite ignorance. but it is my firm belief that that can never be so, for we continue to reflect and search for meaning in the complexities of contemporary existence. How could we exist in such a vast cosmos without asking, and reflecting on, questions about our place in the Universe? Philosophy is a love of wisdom, a love of knowledge that results in a search for ultimate truths about the way things are. While many may not seek the answers to ultimate questions in ordinary living, we can hardly abandon our reflective thoughts that are an essential ingredient of life and what it is to be human.

My sincere thanks are owed to Anthony and Anita Grahame at Sussex Academic Press for their continued encouragement and the excellent rapport that has always been maintained between author and publishing team. I am certainly very grateful to them for suggesting this title that has enabled me to travel in some new directions and to develop personal answers to the deeper questions about life through writing it. I am also especially grateful to three of my colleagues and friends from the University of Wales, Newport, who provided many helpful comments and encouragement during the writing of the penultimate chapter on physics. Two are physicists, Dr Roy Purnell and Gareth Goldsworthy, with whom I have met frequently over lunch and plied with questions. Their knowledge, patience and humour have been most helpful and supportive. The third is Barrie Hughes with whom I have had fascinating discussions about artificial intelligence, aliens, and possible ends to the Universe. Once again, the team at Chepstow Library, so near to my home, has been invaluable in acquiring texts with their usual efficiency. The campus of the University of Wales, Newport where I worked for so many years as head of Philosophy and Religious Studies and later as an Honorary Research Fellow has now been relocated and absorbed in the more distant University of South Wales. The service provided at nearby Chepstow Library has been, therefore, invaluable. Liz Moulson has always been inspirational, sending me her beautiful poetry from time to time, and sharing with me her deepest thoughts through so many wonderful poems. I am so pleased to be able to include at the end of this book one that is so relevant, so beautiful, and so sincerely composed from the heart: thank you Liz. The exquisite design on the front cover I owe to two special artists and friends, Masae and Mark Metcalf. It is not the first cover they have done for me and their special creativity and empathetic understanding of the thought behind this book are so appreciated. They worked together to produce truly spectacular designs and I am only sorry that I could choose just two: so many thanks to you both. I owe so much to my husband Merv, who read each chapter when it was finished, provided helpful comments, and annotated each. We have engaged in many, many interesting discussions about facets of the content material over a glass of wine or two in the quiet evenings here in our rural home: thank you Merv.