The Greatest Possible Being by Jeff Speaks
What can we know about God by reason alone? Philosophical theology is the attempt to obtain such knowledge. An ancient tradition, which is perhaps more influential now than ever, tries to derive the attributes of God from the principle that God is the greatest possible being. Jeff Speaks argues that that constructive project is a failure. He also argues that the related view that the concept of God is the concept of a greatest possible being is a mistake. In the last chapter, he sketches an alternative path forward.
The author delves into both historical and contemporary sources, demonstrates the logical limitations of various arguments about divine attributes, and sketches a path for new approachesA clear and concise engagement with a traditional philosophical and theological problem,this insightful little book is a worthwhile read for those working in the history of philosophy, philosophy of religion, religious studies, and theology. Summing up: Highly Recommended * CHOICE *
Speaks offers a penetrating investigation of the concept of the greatest possible being. He argues, contrary to his own anticipation, that the concept of the greatest possible being is an inadequate device for theorizing about the nature of God. The central thesis of The Greatest Possible Being is that there is no way to derive interesting claims about God from the principle that God is the greatest possible being. * Joshua Rasmussen, Mind *
Speaks offers a penetrating investigation of the concept of the greatest possible being. He argues, contrary to his own anticipation, that the concept of the greatest possible being is an inadequate device for theorizing about the nature of God. The central thesis of The Greatest Possible Being is that there is no way to derive interesting claims about God from the principle that God is the greatest possible being. * Joshua Rasmussen, Mind *
Jeff Speaks is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. His previous work includes The Phenomenal and the Representational (OUP 2015) and New Thinking About Propositions (with Jeffrey King and Scott Soames, OUP 2014).
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780198826811 |
| ISBN 10 | 0198826818 |
| Title | The Greatest Possible Being |
| Author | Jeff Speaks |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| Year published | 2018-10-16 |
| Number of pages | 184 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |