The Development of Mind

The experimental and highly regarded Gifford Lectures atEdinburgh University was endowed in the late nineteenthcentury. Over the years, participants have including manyleading representatives of religion, science, and philosophy.This series has as its subject, The Development of Mind. Firstpublished in 1972, the series continues to attract widespreadinterest. In this volume, contributors argue about the mindfrom diverse analytical standpoints.The focus of the series remains the relationship betweenreligion, science, and philosophy. This volumeattempts to achieve a comprehensive view of the subjectof mind. The mental development of children in the lightof modern psychology is discussed, and the distinctionbetween "how" and "why" questions is put forward withclarity. The development of mind is further contrastedwith the evolution of embryos in the young. The mind isconsidered as a capacity for intellectual activity, and asa multi-purpose program. Goal-directed behavior andlanguage development are given importance, and issuesof cosmic purpose, and the how and why of evolution, arenever far from the surface of the argument.The lecturers know their opposition and their positions,and the cut-and-thrust of the discussion has muchacumen and wit to it. Issues ranging from the impact ofmind on theories of religion, causation, and rational willare examined in an informal, yet compelling, manner.