Lesson 2026: Information Theory in the Theology of Creation and the Soul
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Contemporary science describes physical reality as composed of subject, energy, and information within a dynamic spacetime. The presence of information opens up new cultural and spiritual perspectives compared to descriptions based solely on subject and energy. In this lecture , we will explore some possibilities of this informational dimension that may prove thought-provoking for the work in the theology of creation and the theology of the soul. With regard to Creation, I propose highlighting some analogies between the informational aspect of the universe and the creative Word in the field of cosmology, and drawing on the informational relativity of space and time as perspectives that can bring us closer to the divine presence in an immense universe. With regard to the soul, I suggest taking into account the relevance of the Aristotelian concept of the soul in current research in synthetic biology and artificial intelligence, to emphasize that interest in this concept is not a thing of the past, and to elaborate on some nuances of the Christian concept of the soul and the resurrection from a perspective that goes beyond the disintegration of the “ subject ” and the dispersion of energy, and incorporates the capacity of information to transcend space and time.
David Jou and Mirabent
Born on October 23, 1953, he is a Full Professor r of Physics in the Department of Condensed-Matter subject at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. A poet and essayist, he has focused his research on physics, primarily on the thermodynamics of irreversible processes. In addition to his extensive scientific output, he has also written various essays addressing multidisciplinary issues and is actively engaged in public outreach. He has received several awards from research. He is also the author of an extensive body of poetry that explores philosophical, scientific, and religious themes. He is a “ honorary doctor ” at the University of Girona, a member of the Science and Technology Section of the Catalan Academy of Sciences ( programs of study ), a member of the Royal Academy of Doctors (Reial Acadèmia de Doctors), and a corresponding member of the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical, and Natural Sciences of Madrid and the Accademia Peloritana of Messina. Furthermore, he is a “ partner ” of the Association of Writers in the Catalan Language (Associació d’Escriptors en Llengua Catalana).
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Date and time: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 12:30 p.m.
Location: Magna classroom , Central Building, University of Navarra, Pamplona