The Plantingian Trilemma

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Authors: Jazz Maurizzi
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Classical theism affirms absolute omniscience (knowledge of all truths including future contingents) and absolute omnipotence (unrestricted causal alternatives). I prove these are jointly inconsistent. Omniscience requires future propositions to be settled through knowledge's factivity. Omnipotence requires they remain open for divine power. Within temporal reality, this generates formal contradiction. I examine standard responses; divine timelessness, Molinism, divine simplicity, Ockhamism, open theism, showing each either reproduces the underlying structure or revises a classical commitment. The result is an inescapable trilemma.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Theology and Philosophy of Evil Karl Barth and Christian Theology Epistemology Ethics and Metaphysics

Publication details

Journal / source
PhilPapers (PhilPapers Foundation)
Publication date
9 February 2026
Language
EN