Applications of a Neo-Aristotelian metaphysics of powers in the domain of Philosophy of Religion
This thesis explores some applications of a Neo-Aristotelian metaphysics to philosophy of religion, with a particular focus on the metaphysics of powers. This widens the uses of such an ontology within the contemporary literature, since power metaphysics has been much neglected in philosophy of religion. The thesis starts by introducing power ontology and many of the questions that have been explored within it, noting when these will be relevant for what is to come later in the thesis. It then turns to exploring ways in which, I claim, a power ontology can be used within philosophy of religion. The first thing I explore is the Trinity, where I claim that powers are able to provide a metaphysics for this. The following chapter explores how God might create laws of nature and why I think the powers position should be preferred. I then explore how powers might provide the foundation to object to the fine- tuning argument, and after formulating this response explore how successful it is. In the penultimate chapter I examine how powers might inspire us with a solution to the Euthyphro dilemma against theistic meta-ethics, and formulate a position based on this. In the final chapter I then try to show how what I
Page, Benjamin Thomas
Applications of a Neo-Aristotelian metaphysics of powers in the domain of Philosophy of Religion. This thesis explores some applications of a Neo-Aristotelian metaphysics to philosophy of religion, with a particular focus on the metaphysics of powers. This widens the uses of such an ontology within the contemporary literature, since power metaphysics has been much neglected in philosophy of religion. The thesis starts by introducing power ontology and many of the questions that have been explored within it, noting when these will be relevant for what is to come later in the thesis. It then turns to exploring ways in which, I claim, a power ontology can be used within philosophy of religion. The first thing I explore is the Trinity, where I claim that powers are able to provide a metaphysics for this. The following chapter explores how God might create laws of nature and why I think the powers position should be preferred. I then explore how powers might provide the foundation to object to the fine- tuning argument, and after formulating this response explore how successful it is. In the penultimate chapter I examine how powers might inspire us with a solution to the Euthyphro dilemma against theistic meta-ethics, and formulate a position based on this. In the final chapter I then try to show how what I
applications neo aristotelian metaphysics power domain philosophy_religion explores application neo aristotelian metaphysics_philosophy religion particular_focus metaphysics power use ontology within_contemporary literature since power metaphysics much_neglect philosophy_religion start introduce power ontology many question explore within note relevant come later thesis turn explore_way claim power ontology use within philosophy_religion first thing explore trinity claim power able_provide metaphysics this follow explores god might create law_nature think power position prefer explore power might provide_foundation object fine argument formulate response explore successful penultimate examine power might inspire solution dilemma theistic meta_ethics formulate position base this final try_show