Must Ontological Emergence be Spooky?

Abstract This chapter surveys some of the main reasons why ontological emergence has traditionally been viewed with suspicion: its apparent reliance on fundamental bridge laws connecting properties at different levels; its formulation within a levels ontology; and questions concerning the coherence of downward causation and the associated rejection of physical causal closure. It then covers some of the possible ways in which ontological emergence can be demystified, including: showing that no mysterious bridge laws are required for emergence; providing an account of the metaphysics of downward causation; challenging the causal closure of the physical; and challenging the meta-ontological framework presupposed in the traditional debate. The chapter aims to cast light on the other chapters in this book by locating them within the broader context of the debate concerning the coherence of emergence, and viewing them as attempts to make sense of emergence given the various conceptual and empirical challenges that arise.