Evolution, cooperation and the God question

This paper discusses the theoretical imperatives by which theology and philosophy may address, and contest, fundamental scientific concerns. Recent discoveries in the fields of cooperative game theory and theoretical biology have demonstrated that certain deeply-held, utilitarian and individualistic, principles of what is termed ‘Neo-Darwinism’ may be open to question. The implications of these evidences deal directly with concepts of altruism, sacrifice, agency, causality and individuality - concepts no less important to theology. Avoiding the pitfalls typical of contemporary debates between ‘religion’ and ‘science’ that seek for ‘confirmation’ of pre-ordained beliefs, the author argues that returning to the patristic notion of the ‘spiritual senses’ gives us new categories, new practises, of insight and analysis.