Applications of a Neo-Aristotelian metaphysics of powers in the domain of Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

This thesis explores some applications of a Neo-Aristotelian metaphysics to philosophy of religion, with a particular focus on the metaphysics of powers. This widens the uses of such an ontology within the contemporary literature, since power metaphysics has been much neglected in philosophy of religion. The thesis starts by introducing power ontology and many of the questions that have been explored within it, noting when these will be relevant for what is to come later in the thesis. It then turns to exploring ways in which, I claim, a power ontology can be used within philosophy of religion. The first thing I explore is the Trinity, where I claim that powers are able to provide a metaphysics for this. The following chapter explores how God might create laws of nature and why I think the powers position should be preferred. I then explore how powers might provide the foundation to object to the fine- tuning argument, and after formulating this response explore how successful it is. In the penultimate chapter I examine how powers might inspire us with a solution to the Euthyphro dilemma against theistic meta-ethics, and formulate a position based on this. In the final chapter I then try to show how what I have said in the previous chapter can be thought of in terms of powers alone, such that powers have a role to play within axiology.