evolution of spirit 1: the big question

We've already discussed the evolution of morality. So my next question is: can we also examine our long journey of evolution and observe seeds and development of that which many refer to as spirit or soul: a consciousness and reality which is interwoven with, interfaces with the material dimension of existence, but ultimately transcends it.

Can we trace out an evolutionary path that demonstrates a completely natural progression which could generate a meta-level awareness, a substrate of conscious reality that is mutually interactive with the tangible, experienced reality of the universe we know.

Ok, so you know that I'm not going to bring something like this up unless we're going there. This time we’re looking at a ways in which spirit/soul could be generated by the same process of evolution that has given birth to our humanity.

The process of evolution is really pretty straight forward. The most basic concept goes like this. The universe is a place which is primarily characterized by change, from radical to minute and from rapid to galactically incremental. There are two characteristics, among the many other characteristics of the universe and its component parts, that come into play here. The tendency toward persistence and pressures of dissolution. The first urges entities (plants, bugs, people) to strive to prolong existence. The second comprises the circumstances and forces against which the first urge is in continual tension.

Living organisms maintain their existence in a tension between environmental factors which benefit them and factors which push to annihilate them. In any population of living organisms there is a diversity of individuals. Some individuals have a set of characteristics which can take advantage of particular environmental benefits better than other individuals. Also there will be individuals with inherent characteristics which allow them to better resist the destructive pressures from the environment.

Individuals within any given population will have a combination of different innate qualities and characteristics which give them both advantages or disadvantages in coping with the specific environment in which the group exists. Those with more advantageous qualities with respect to the particular environmental conditions of life where they live, will live healthier lives, produce more strong young and will collectively survive more of the harsh conditions of the environment.

This especially comes into play when the specific corner of the universe in which the group resides, undergoes radical catastrophic change. Those in the group who happen to have even a few characteristics which help them endure the change will live to pass on their characteristics to their descendants.

I want to consider some characteristics which give an advantage – in this ongoing struggle – to persist, to keep going, in the face of environmental pressures that would otherwise dissolve our individual and collective existence. I want to think about characteristics of mind which give advantages for both acquiring beneficial aspects of the environment and avoiding harmful aspects. What happens when evolution doubles up? See the next post.