A Mathematical Model of Divine Infinity

Theology and Science 7 (3):261-274 (2009)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

Mathematics is obviously important in the sciences. And so it is likely to be equally important in any effort that aims to understand God in a scientifically significant way or that aims to clarify the relations between science and theology. The degree to which God has any perfection is absolutely infinite. We use contemporary mathematics to precisely define that absolute infinity. For any perfection, we use transfinite recursion to define an endlessly ascending series of degrees of that perfection. That series rises to an absolutely infinite degree of that perfection. God has that absolutely infinite degree. We focus on the perfections of knowledge, power, and benevolence. Our model of divine infinity thus builds a bridge between mathematics and theology.

Links

PhilArchive

External links

Setup an account with your affiliations in order to access resources via your University's proxy server

Through your library

Similar books and articles

Infinity: new research frontiers.Michał Heller & W. H. Woodin (eds.) - 2011 - New York: Cambridge University Press.
Infinity: the quest to think the unthinkable.Brian Clegg - 2003 - [Berkeley, Calif.]: Publishers Group West.
The Concept of the Infinite and the Crisis in Modern Physics.Steven M. Rosen - 1983 - Speculations in Science and Technology 6 (4):413-425.
Divine Perfection and Creation.R. T. Mullins - 2016 - Heythrop Journal 57 (1):122-134.
Aristotle on mathematical infinity.Theokritos Kouremenos - 1995 - Stuttgart: F. Steiner. Edited by Aristotle.
To infinity and beyond: a cultural history of the infinite.Eli Maor - 1987 - Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press. Edited by Ian Stewart.
Infinity in science and religion. The creative role of thinking about infinity.Wolfgang Achtner - 2005 - Neue Zeitschrift für Systematicsche Theologie Und Religionsphilosophie 47 (4):392-411.
Review of Oppy's Philosophical Perspectives on Infinity. [REVIEW]Anne Newstead - 2007 - Australasian Journal of Philosophy 85 (4):679-695.
A Reductio Ad Absurdum of Divine Temporality.Steven B. Cowan - 1996 - Religious Studies 32 (3):371 - 378.

Analytics

Added to PP
2010-10-31

Downloads
628 (#26,025)

6 months
99 (#38,789)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author's Profile

Eric Steinhart
William Paterson University of New Jersey

References found in this work

The Nature of Necessity.Alvin Plantinga - 1974 - Oxford, England: Clarendon Press.
The Indispensability of Mathematics.Mark Colyvan - 2001 - Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.
Philosophy of Mathematics and Natural Science.Hermann Weyl - 1949 - Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press. Edited by Olaf Helmer-Hirschberg & Frank Wilczek.
Does God Have a Nature?Alvin Plantinga - 1980 - Milwaukee: Marquette University Press.

View all 42 references / Add more references