Divine Foreknowledge Flashcards
What problem does Boethius address with divine foreknowledge and free will?
How God can know our future actions without undermining human free will and his omnibenevolence.
What solution does Boethius propose for divine foreknowledge?
God is eternal and sees all time simultaneously in the ‘eternal present.’
What challenge arises from Boethius’ solution to divine foreknowledge and free will?
If our future actions are known, they seem fixed and not freely chosen.
How does Boethius respond to the challenge that known future actions are not free?
By distinguishing between simple necessity and conditional necessity.
How does Anselm’s four-dimensionalist approach attempt to improve on Boethius’ theory?
By arguing that all times are in God and that God is present with all moments of time simultaneously.
What is Anselm’s concept of eternity as it relates to time?
Eternity is like a higher dimension containing all lower dimensions, including time.
What critique does Anthony Kenny offer against the eternal view of God?
That it is incoherent for all events to happen simultaneously for God, as it denies temporal distinctions.
How does Anselm’s four-dimensionalism respond to Kenny’s critique?
By distinguishing between temporal simultaneity within time and eternal simultaneity outside of time.
What is Swinburne’s view of God in relation to time?
That God exists within time and knows the past and present, but not future free choices.
What biblical evidence supports the everlasting view of God?
Instances like the plagues of Egypt, where God responds to human actions over time.
What counterexamples challenge the everlasting view of God?
Instances where God or Jesus predicts specific future actions, like Judas’ betrayal.
What issue does Swinburne raise regarding the relationship with an eternal God?
That an unchanging eternal God would be a “pretty lifeless thing,” incapable of a loving relationship.
