1st Edition

The Metaphysics of Perfect Beings

By Michael J. Almeida Copyright 2008
    200 Pages
    by Routledge

    200 Pages
    by Routledge

    The Metaphysics of Perfect Beings addresses the problems an Anselmian perfect being faces in contexts involving unlimited options. Recent advances in the theory of vagueness, the metaphysics of multiverses and hyperspace, the theory of dynamic or sequential choice, the logic of moral and rational dilemmas, and metaethical theory provide the resources to formulate the new challenges and the Anselmian responses with an unusual degree of precision. Almeida shows that the challenges arising in the unusual contexts involving unlimited options sometimes produce metaphysical surprise.

    Acknowledgments

    Introduction

    Chapter One: Atheistic Arguments from Improvability

    Chapter Two: Rational Choice and No Best World

    Chapter Three: On Evil's Vague Necessity

    Chapter Four: The Problem of No Maximum Evil

    Chapter Five: On the Logic of Imperfection

    Chapter Six: Supervenience, Divine Freedom and Absolute Orderings

    Chapter Seven: Vague Eschatology

    Chapter Eight: Theistic Modal Realism, Multiverses and Hyperspace

    Appendices

    Notes

    Bibliography

    Index

    Biography

    Michael J. Almeida teaches philosophy at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and is the author of numerous articles on philosophy of religion, ethics and metaethics published in journals such as Australasian Journal of Philosophy, Philosophia, Philosophical Papers, Philosophical Studies, and Theoria.

    "Philosophers of religion with a metaphysical bent will find much of interest here." -- Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews