ZYGO Zygon® 0591-2385 1467-9744 10.1111/j.1467-9744.1989.tb00991.x HUMANITY IN NATURE: CONSERVING YET CREATING Peters Karl E. 02 12 1989 24 4 10.1111/zygo.1989.24.issue-4 469 485

Abstract. Developing a scientifically grounded philosophy of cosmic evolution, and using the moral norm of completeness as dynamic harmony, this paper argues that humans are a part of nature in both its conserving and emergent aspects. Humans are both material and cultural, instinctual‐emotional and rational, creatures and creators, and carriers of stability and change. To ignore any of the multifaceted aspects of humanity in relation to the rest of nature is to commit one of a number of fallacies that are grounded in a dualistic‐conquest mentality. Examples of some new developments in philosophy and theology, metaphorical images, and ritual show how to overcome dualism in favor of a dynamic harmony of humanity within nature.

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