Date of Award
2-2010
Document type
dissertation
Access Type
Open Access Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Degree Program
Philosophy
First Advisor
Lynne R. Baker
Second Advisor
Gareth B. Matthews
Third Advisor
Vere C. Chappell
Subject Categories
Philosophy
Abstract
I defend the compatibility of the classical theistic doctrine of divine providence, which includes infallible foreknowledge of all future events, with a libertarian understanding of creaturely free will. After setting out the argument for theological determinism, which purports to show the inconsistency of foreknowledge and freedom, I reject several responses as inadequate and then defend the ‚Ockhamist‛ response as successful. I further argue that the theory of middle knowledge or ‚Molinism‛ is crucial to the viability of the Ockhamist response, and proceed to defend Molinism against the most pressing objections. Finally, I argue that a proper understanding of the Creator-creature relationship accounts for why no explanation can be given for how God’s middle knowledge comes about.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/1263421
Recommended Citation
Kosciuk, Christopher J., "Human Freedom in a World Full of Providence: An Ockhamist-Molinist Account of the Compatibility of Divine Foreknowledge and Creaturely Free Will" (2010). Open Access Dissertations. 153.
https://doi.org/10.7275/1263421
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/open_access_dissertations/153