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The aloneness argument against classical theism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 January 2021

JOSEPH C. SCHMID Open the ORCID record for JOSEPH C. SCHMID [Opens in a new window]  and
R. T. MULLINS Open the ORCID record for R. T. MULLINS [Opens in a new window]
JOSEPH C. SCHMID*
Affiliation:
Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
R. T. MULLINS*
Affiliation:
University of Helsinki, Yliopistonkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
*
e-mail: schmi215@purdue.edu
e-mail: rtmullins@gmail.com
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Abstract

We argue that there is a conflict among classical theism's commitments to divine simplicity, divine creative freedom, and omniscience. We start by defining key terms for the debate related to classical theism. Then we articulate a new argument, the Aloneness Argument, aiming to establish a conflict among these attributes. In broad outline, the argument proceeds as follows. Under classical theism, it's possible that God exists without anything apart from Him. Any knowledge God has in such a world would be wholly intrinsic. But there are contingent truths in every world, including the world in which God exists alone. So, it's possible that God (given His omniscience) contingently has wholly intrinsic knowledge. But whatever is contingent and wholly intrinsic is an accident. So, God possibly has an accident. This is incompatible with classical theism. Finally, we consider and rebut several objections.

Type
Original Article
Information
Religious Studies , Volume 58 , Issue 2 , June 2022 , pp. 401 - 419
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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