Ultimate Reality Bibliography

Introduction

In surveying the subject, for the sake of academic completeness, we decided to include a wide spectrum of ideas ranging from the most recent scientific developments to serious philosophical objections to studying ultimate reality, considering both Eastern and Western perspectives. Though we concentrated on the best and most rigorous works on the topics, we also believe that the very nature of this project must allow room for minority opinions and explorative ideas that might not be found in the usual academic settings. We have classified the works into 12 major categories with 30 sub-categories. As the subject matter is by nature extensively trans-disciplinary and does not fit in usual library classifications, the division of these categories did not follow conventional classification. The categories were devised with the practical needs of prospective users in mind rather than following more formal or logical divisions.

We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of time and special knowledge from the many people who enabled us to compile the Ultimate Reality Bibliography.

Using the Bibliography

We hope you find navigation through the bibliography to be reasonably intuitive. Links to topics are provided in the frame on the left. The tabs on each citation page provide access to one of four classes of resources under that topic. If a tab appears to be inactive as a link, it is one of the few cases where there are currently no citations in that particular resource form.

Though the subjects and topics in DR or UR are extensively interdisciplinary, we elected (in consideration of bibliography size) to cite each resource only once in the bibliography, in the most appropriate category. Therefore, it is recommended that users check the several categories which may relate to a single topic. For example, if the research focus is UR references on "biological complexity" issues, the researcher may benefit from exploration of several related Bibliography topics such as Complexity Theory in Section 6, as well as Philosophy of Biology and Life, Genes & Biotechnology in Section 8."

The following working definition was used for "Ultimate Reality": "Something that cannot be reduced to or may not be explained by anything else". Some might call it Nature, Divinity, Absolute, or God. With the understanding that the term "Ultimate Reality" may be elusive for some scientists and philosophers, we also have employed an auxiliary term "Deeper Reality" which means something that is 'beyond' or 'deep within' ordinary realities which we often uncritically identify with concrete, tangible material 'things'. Deeper Reality (DR) in this sense may be regarded as an appropriate intermediate step toward Ultimate Reality (UR).

We have used the following inclusion criteria for the citations in this bibliography:

• Academic works that provide significant insights into deeper or ultimate reality.
• New discoveries or theories which expand human ideas about deeper or ultimate reality.
• Works that bring significant light to new understanding about aspects of reality we live in.
• Works that provide a ground for new ideas that go beyond traditional ideas of UR or DR.
• Works that significantly expand, advance, or clarify the works described above.

This survey has a strong emphasis on recent ideas, works and discoveries in scientific frontiers, particularly those developments that have occurred during the last half century. A select body of classic literature of great relevance to the subject matter is also included for academic completeness. Seminal works of great significance that are still helpful for advancing human ideas of UR are also included. The major emphasis of this project on more recent works is a simple acknowledgement of the dynamic present, producing extensive and far-ranging dialogue that is defining the substance and direction of future UR research.

A Disclaimer

Though we tried to make this bibliography very complete, we inevitably faced decisions on many parameters such as size, scope, and degree of relevance. All the shortcomings that come from these decisions, any erroneous and missing data, and  misrepresentations are mine. With the help from readers and users of this bibliography, I hope that we will be able to extend both utility of the Ultimate Reality Bibliography and content in the future. -- Dr. Hyung S. Choi [compiler]

Your contributions regarding errors or suggestions are welcome and may be brought to the attention of:

Canyon Institute for Advanced Studies
3300 W. Camelback Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85017
USA

Phone: 602.639.6206
Fax: 602.639.7836
Email: info@canyoninstitute.org