Books by George Ellis

This book considers the interaction of physical and non-physical causation in complex systems such as living beings, and in particular in the human brain, relating this to the emergence of higher levels of complexity with real causal powers.

Given contemporary attacks on religious faith, this lecture asks what are the intellectual resources and sources of spirituality that can sustain us in these times of uncertainty?It suggests that human moral life is a search to understand and implement that true nature of morality. It is centred in love, with the idea of kenosis ("letting go") playing a key role because of its transformational qualities.This book argues the various scientific realities are all partial and inadequate. Science can be powerful in the service of an integral view but must not attempt to supplant it. Religion is still a key context for a consideration of ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics and meaning.

Briefings is a new series of short books to explain and clarify complex contemporary subjects, written for non-specialists by experts in their fields. Themes and topics covered will include Feminism, Education, Cosmology, Medical Ethics, Structuralism, Quantum Physics and Comparative Religion among others. Before the Beginning is a radical attempt to explain and redefine the origins and purpose of creation. Professor Ellis deals clearly and authoritatively with new scientific theories explaining how things began and elucidates the laws which control the operation of the universe. In addition he describes the complex mechanism by which the laws of physics appear to govern and facilitate, as well as to sustain human life. His conclusions about the very meaning of life are often unexpected, but the process by which he reaches them is illuminating and scientifically sound, as would be expected from one of the world's foremost cosmologists.