Philip Goff

Philosopher Dr Philip Goff argues that it is time to move on from God and atheism when we consider the great questions of meaning and purpose: Why are we here? What’s the point of existence?

Goff explores cosmology and cutting-edge philosophical research on consciousness to argue for a cosmic purpose or the idea that the universe is directed towards goals such as the emergence of life. He says God is a bad explanation of cosmic purpose. Instead, he looks at a range of other possibilities from speculation that we are part of a computer simulation to the idea that the universe itself is a conscious mind. He outlines a way of living in hope that cosmic purpose is still unfolding and that involves political engagement and a non-literalist interpretation of religion.

‘It’s nothing less than thrilling to follow Goff’s argument, and to regain that sense of connectedness that’s so important not just to our well-being, but to our very survival’ Philip Pullman

Goff is professor of philosophy at Durham University where his research focus is consciousness and questions about the nature of reality. He is best known for defending panpsychism, the view that consciousness is a fundamental and ubiquitous feature of the physical world. His previous books include Galileo’s Error: Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness.