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The Concept of Complexity in the Work of Teilhard de Chardin

Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2016

Abstract

The paper presents the concept of complexity in the Christian evolutionary theory of Teilhard de Chardin. First, the Teilhard's method is presented, dealing with values and distinguishing three qualities of being (unity, diversity and intensity of relationships) which increase in the evolution.

Author then attempts to find criteria of complexity of different systems and living entities, based on the three mentioned qualities. Finally, the main theological topic of Teilhard's theory is sketched: Evolution is based on self-organization and its goal (determined by God) is to enable creativity and freedom at each evolutionary level according to the level of attained complexity.

At the level of noosphere, freedom reaches its fullness; the concern of human being as a co-worker on creation of the world with advancing evolution becomes his main task, including the search for one's own unique contribution to the complexity of the human systems.