Much of the modern period was dominated by a `reductionist' theory of science. On this view, to explain any event in the world is to reduce it down to fundamental particles, laws, and forces. In recent years reductionism has been dramatically challenged by a radically new paradigm called `emergence'. According to this new theory, natural history reveals the continuous emergence of novel phenomena: new structures and new organisms with new causal powers. Consciousness is yet one more emergent level in the natural hierarchy. Many theologians and religious scholars believe that this new paradigm may offer new insights into the nature of God and God's relation to the world. This volume introduces readers to emergence theory, outlines the major arguments in its defence, and summarizes the most powerful objections against it. Written by experts but suitable as an introductory text, these essays provide the best available presentation of this exciting new field and its potentially momentous implications.

In order to gain insight into a fire scene investigation, the investigator must have a thorough understanding of concepts such as different types of fuels, how they are affected by heat and fire, and the nature of their combustion, as well as specific scene investigations, scene reconstruction, electrical fires, and procedures in the analytic laboratory. Only with a sound knowledge of these and other factors can an investigation be handled efficiently and correctly. Fire Investigation presents comprehensive information related to the investigation of various types of fire scenes and describes the analysis and interpretation of fire debris in a chemical laboratory. Techniques are presented for fire scene investigation, and the importance and relevance of fire scene reconstruction is discussed in detail. The text covers various types of fire scenes with numerous photographs and illustrations, and an entire chapter is devoted to the investigation of electrical fires. Providing a complete overview of fire scene investigation and debris analysis, this guide features the information needed by professionals at the fire scene and in the laboratory. It is an important resource for arson investigators, forensic scientists and technicians, detectives, and attorneys involved in all phases of fire scene investigation.