Crosby, Donald A. Novelty. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2005.

Abstract

Novelty, as conceived in this book, is not the same thing as chaos, if that is defined as sheer mayhem or absolute disorder, i.e., as a complete absence of efficient causal connections. Nor is novelty to be identified with mere ignorance of underlying, allegedly all-sufficient causes or hidden variables, as is often alleged. Novelty is a metaphysical fact, not just an epistemological limitation. Novelty and causality work together to produce the combination of dynamically balanced stability and order, on the one hand, and irrepressible, ongoing innovation, on the other, that we find operating throughout the world. There are different degrees of novelty in different circumstances and occurrences, but there is never a total absence of novelty. In fact, the author argues that some element of novelty is necessarily present in each and every moment of time...This book defends and expounds upon the reality of novelty throughout, and it shows how the concept of novelty applies in fundamental ways to such diverse topics as the reality of time, the character and staus of possibility, the innumerable forms of matter or material embodiment, the emergence of life from nonlife, the evolution and nature of consciousness, the methods and goals of education, the character of human history and the task of historians, and the traits of a good society. Recognition of the central role of novelty is essential to adequate understanding of these phenomena in all their complexity and in their relations to one another. Above all, novelty is the key to the unique potential of each human being and the basis of genuine human freedom, creativity and hope.