What distinguishes this book from other contemporary treatises touching upon cosmology is its conception of the tripartite cosmos. This conception proves to be crucial to resolving three of the most baffling questions of contemporary science, beginning with the measurement problem of quantum theory. What is perhaps most astonishing of all, however, is the fact that this treatise is comprehensible to the educated layman. It will turn your world right-side up!

“The Vertical Ascent, at every turn, brings into view vistas not previously revealed. May this book—this magnum opus of Wolfgang Smith—bring out the true Metaphysician in us all: the helmsman to guide us to the threshold of Eternity.”
~ Bruno Bérard, from the Prologue

Smith’s book challenges the reductionist approach of modern science, arguing that it fails to account for the ontological wholeness of reality. By focusing on vertical causation and the tripartite cosmos (spirit, soul, and body), Smith advocates for a paradigm that acknowledges the interplay between the physical and metaphysical realms. He criticizes scientism and supports a view that sees the universe as imbued with meaning and connected to the divine. Smith believes authentic science should reconnect with its sacred roots to fully understand the universe.

Key points

🌟 Traditional View: Traditional sciences viewed reality as a continuum descending from the divine through hierarchical levels.

🔬 Modern Science: Modern science’s materialistic approach is seen as reductive and disconnected from ontological roots.

💡 Scientism: Smith criticizes scientism, labeling it a pseudo-religion that undermines metaphysical truths.

🧩 Measurement Problem: Smith highlights the metaphysical error in conflating physical measurements with ontological reality.

🌀 Quantum Enigma: He uses examples like the quantum enigma to argue against materialistic explanations of the universe.

🌍 Holistic Reality: Emphasizes understanding the universe holistically, incorporating both physical and metaphysical aspects.

🔎 Darwinism and Scientism: Smith critiques Darwinism and modern scientism for their reductionist views and lack of teleology.

📖 Christian Metaphysics: Advocates for a Christian metaphysical framework that integrates sound science.

🔗 Ontological Wholeness: Argues that science must acknowledge the ontological dimensions of reality to be complete.

🔄 Rediscovery of the Sacred: Calls for a return to viewing knowledge as sacred and interconnected with the divine.

Summary

1. Overview of Traditional Science: Explains how traditional sciences saw reality as a hierarchy descending from the divine, integrating metaphysical and physical aspects.

2. Modern Science’s Shift: Describes the shift in modern science towards materialism, focusing on quantifiable aspects and disregarding metaphysical elements.

3. Critique of Scientism: Smith criticizes scientism as a reductionist approach that undermines the true essence of science by ignoring its sacred foundations.

4. Quantum Mechanics: Discusses quantum mechanics’ challenges to materialism, using phenomena like the quantum enigma and the measurement problem.

5. Holistic Understanding: Emphasizes the need for a holistic understanding of reality that incorporates both physical and metaphysical dimensions.

6. Darwinism: Critiques Darwinism for its materialistic explanations of life’s origins and continuity, arguing for a teleological perspective.

7. Christian Metaphysics: Advocates for a Christian metaphysical framework that embraces both science and faith.

8. Ontological Wholeness: Stresses the importance of recognizing ontological wholeness in scientific inquiry.

9. Rediscovery of Sacred Knowledge: Calls for a return to viewing knowledge as sacred, interconnected with the divine, and essential for true understanding.

10. Integration of Science and Metaphysics: Concludes that authentic science must integrate metaphysical insights to fully comprehend the universe.