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Human freedom in a world full of providence: An Ockhamist—Molinist account of the compatibility of divine foreknowledge and creaturely free will
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.
Subject Area
Philosophy
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). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI3397721.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI3397721