{"product_id":"why-the-purpose-of-the-universe-9780198967279","title":"Why? The Purpose of the Universe","description":"\u003cp\u003eWestern thought has been dominated by the dichotomy of traditional religion and secular atheism. But do we have to choose between these options?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn this pioneering work, Philip Goff argues that it is time to move on from both God and atheism. Through an exploration of contemporary cosmology and cutting-edge philosophical research on consciousness, Goff argues for cosmic purpose: the idea that the universe is directed towards certain goals, such as the emergence of life. In contrast to religious thinkers, Goff argues that the traditional God is a bad explanation of cosmic purpose. Instead, he explores a range of alternative possibilities for accounting for cosmic purpose, from the speculation that we live in a computer simulation to the hypothesis that the universe itself is a conscious mind. Goff scrutinizes these options with analytical rigour, laying the foundations for a new paradigm of philosophical enquiry into the middle ground between God and atheism. Ultimately, Goff outlines a way of living in hope that cosmic purpose is still unfolding, involving political engagement and a non-literalist interpretation of traditional religion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAuthor: Philip Goff\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003ePopular philosophy, Philosophy of religion, Spirituality \u0026amp; religious experience, Popular science\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003ch5\u003ePublished on 12 Mar 2026 by Oxford University Press.\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePaperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Philip Goff","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57322425811322,"sku":"9780198967279","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0373\/4125\/files\/9780198967279.jpg?v=1790688893","url":"https:\/\/belfastbooks.co.uk\/products\/why-the-purpose-of-the-universe-9780198967279","provider":"Belfast Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}