Middle Knowledge: Human Freedom in Divine Sovereignty 9780825476464, 0825476461
487 53 3MB
English Pages 302 Year 2019
Table of contents :
Cover Page
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Contents
Introduction
The Doctrine of Providence
The Models of Providence
Process Theology
Open Theism
Calvinism
Theological Fatalism
Middle Knowledge
Assumptions
The Nature of God
Divine Omnipotence
Divine Omniscience
Divine omniscience and propositional knowledge
Logical order of divine thoughts
The Nature of Human Freedom
The Nature of Divine Freedom
Conclusion
Chapter 1: The Doctrine of Middle Knowledge
Introduction
Middle Knowledge or Scientia Media
Counterfactuals
Possible Worlds Semantics
Actualization of Worlds Feasibility of Possible Worlds, Creaturely World-Types, and GalaxiesComparative Similarity among Possible Worlds
Conclusion
Chapter 2: The Grounding Objection
Introduction
Conditional Excluded Middle
Counterexamples to CEM
Molinist Responses
Counterfactuals and Determinism
Counterfactuals, Determinism, and Risk
Molinist Responses
Counterfactuals, Determinism, and Individual Power
Molinist Responses
Counterfactuals, facts, and relative similarity among worlds
Rejection of the power entailment principle
Counterfactuals, Determinism, and the Causal History of the World Molinist ResponsesGrounding
The No-Grounds Objection
Grounding and God
Grounding and the individual
Molinist Responses
No need for grounding
Hidden assumptions
Antirealism, the future, and divine foreknowledge
Other-worldly occurrence
Grounding and the mind of God
Conclusion
Chapter 3: The Circularity Objection
Introduction
Counterfactuals of Freedom, Truth, and Similarity among Worlds
Vicious Circle Argument
Molinist Responses
Possible worlds semantics
Logical/wording flaws
Clarification of possible worlds analysis
Explanatory Priority, Circularity, and Determinism Molinist ResponsesConclusion
Chapter 4: Divine Foreknowledge and Creaturely Free Will
Introduction
Divine Timelessness
Traditional Models
Criticisms of the traditional view
Contemporary Models
Stump and Kretzmann
Criticisms and Stump and Kretzmann
Leftow
Criticisms of Leftow
Ockhamism
Ockham's Answer
Contemporary Formulations
Hard/soft facts
Accidental necessity
Problems with Ockhamism
Arbitrary distinction
Power over the past
Molinism
Conclusion
Chapter 5: Predestination and Salvation
Introduction
Atonement
Release from Evil Powers/Ransom to Satan
Satisfaction Moral InfluencePenal Substitution
Example
Governmental
Assessment
Soteriology
Human Depravity
Sovereign Election
Excursis on reprobation
Basis for election
Effective Grace
Regeneration and Faith
Assurance of Salvation and Perseverance of the Saints
Discipleship, Spiritual Growth, and Spiritual Gifts
Conclusion
Chapter 6: Middle Knowledge and the Problem of Evil
Introduction
The Problem of Evil
Logical Problem of Evil
Molinism and the Free Will Defense/Free Will Theodicy
Probabilistic Problems of Evil
Quantitative Argument
Argument from Gratuitous Evil
Skeptical Theism
