Three Paradigms of Reality: From Homer to Einstein

This book is about three ways for human beings to govern their lives, only two of which promote cooperation among all individuals, peoples, cultures, and societies. The earliest of the three paradigms, the ancient Greek paradigm, saw reason as the key to comprehending the universe. Next came the early Christian paradigm, which saw reason as insufficient for comprehending the universe unless it was accompanied by faith and humility. Both of these paradigms ultimately unraveled through the ideas of individual freedom that culminated in the Enlightenment and our modern paradigm of self. Ironically, modern quantum physics and Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle have shaken the modern belief in the infallibility of scientific empiricism and rationality, opening the door to the possibility that knowledge of truth and reality can be acquired through empirical evidence, intellectual reflection, and the realm of mystery. The history and implications of these paradigms are explored herein.