The conceptual horizons of the symposium purposely have been opened up to the widest possible range of consideration. From such an open perspective, the symposium seeks broadly to initiate a scientifically based inquiry into possible aspects of ethical and theological insight which can help people to understand better how their own roles as agents in our creative and dynamic world can be inspired and encouraged. This initial survey begins to explore the topic at a basic level. It gathers together six outstanding thinkers whose research spans a wide range of cutting-edge topics from mathematics and computer science to human biology, to imagining the scientific discoveries of the future, to considerations of big picture questions in both cosmology and theology. Their contributions will provide a reconnaissance upon which to launch further inquiries.
Creativity is both a cause and a consequence of the evolving adventure of science and technology.
New scientific research has begun to explore how creativity works in nature, how humans are themselves a product of an intense episode of creativity, and how an understanding of natural creativity can be recapitulated in computers to accelerate the process of technological innovation. The future of science promises to further stimulate the growth of creativity, and the new cosmological vision of the universe raises profound questions about the nature and destiny of the cosmos as a home for the flourishing of creativity developed possibly in an infinity of worlds. The future of the quality of life on this planet will depend on the quality, depth and character of vision which human beings develop as responsible stewards of this accelerating creativity. From such an open, humble perspective, the symposium seeks broadly to initiate a scientifically based inquiry into possible aspects of ethical and theological insight which can help people to understand better how their own roles as agents in our creative and dynamic world can be inspired and encouraged. He is also Gresham Professor of Geometry at Gresham College, London and has held visiting positions in Germany, New Zealand, Connecticut and Texas.