Your reflection on Albert Borgmann’s integration of quantum physics and relativity into a renewed moral cosmology touches upon a profound and timely endeavor. Borgmann, renowned for his critique of the “device paradigm” and advocacy for “focal things and practices,” sought to bridge the chasm between scientific understanding and moral meaning in contemporary life.
In Moral Cosmology: On Being in the World Fully and Well (2024), Borgmann posits that a foundational grasp of modern physics—specifically quantum mechanics and relativity—can provide the broadest possible backdrop for reestablishing a cohesive moral framework. By aligning our ethical sensibilities with the intricacies and wonders revealed by contemporary science, he invites us to rediscover a sense of belonging and purpose within the cosmos.
This approach resonates with his earlier works, such as Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life, where he emphasized the importance of engaging with focal practices—meaningful activities that ground us in reality and foster genuine connections. By situating these practices within a cosmological context informed by modern physics, Borgmann offers a pathway to live more fully and authentically in the world.
In essence, Borgmann’s integration of scientific understanding into moral philosophy encourages us to perceive the universe not merely as a backdrop for human activity but as an active participant in shaping our ethical and existential orientations. This holistic perspective challenges us to cultivate a deeper awareness of our place in the cosmos and to engage in practices that reflect and honor that interconnectedness.
