Reality Through the Looking-Glass

The author argues that the picture of the world constructed by traditional science – a collection of particles rushing through a void – is no more than one particular model of the universe. In our century a radically new way of looking at reality has been opened up by quantum theory, with its image of humanity in dialogue with nature. We therefore need to rebuild science, recognizing that its aim should be to explain the world that we are actually aware of as human beings. This rebuilding must start with our own awareness. Reviewing a wide literature in the scientific, mystical and philosophical traditions, Clarke calls into question the 'bedrock' reality of space-time, examines the idea of alternative realities founded on different sorts of consciousness, and explores concepts of being and non-being in religious traditions. He concludes that we should now embrace the idea of a reality-in-relation, a 'creative communion' which gives back to every human being the power to work constructively with nature, and to be an active player in the drama of the universe.