Abstract
In 'The Power of God' (Gleeson 2010) I elaborate and defend an argument by the late D.Z. Phillips against definitions of omnipotence in terms of logical possibility. In 'Which God? What Power? A Response to Andrew Gleeson' (Hasker 2010), William Hasker criticizes my defense of Phillips' argument. Here I contend his criticisms do not succeed. I distinguish three definitions of omnipotence in terms of logical possibility. Hasker agrees that the first fails. The second fails because negative properties (like disembodiedment and simplicity) do not amount to a nature that licenses the attribution of causal powers. The third fails because it does not identify actions that can be performed without a body. It cannot be saved by appeal to the idea of purely mental acts.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 617-629 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Sophia: International Journal For Philosophy of Religion, Metaphysical Theology and Ethics |
Volume | 49 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2010 |
Keywords
- Constitution
- Hasker
- Logical possibility
- Nature
- Omnipotence
- Phillips