God, Existence, and Fictional Objects

Not available

God, Existence, and Fictional Objects

The Case for Meinongian Theism

Philosophy: metaphysics and ontology Philosophy of religion

Author: John-Mark L. Miravalle

Dinosaur mascot

Language: English

Published by: Bloomsbury Academic

Published on: 18th October 2018

Format: LCP-protected ePub

Size: 192 pages

ISBN: 9781350061637


Introduction

God and fictional objects are central topics within philosophy, but rarely do the respective discussions overlap. Until now the two fields have remained independent. Applying the debate about fictional objects to issues of theology for the first time, John-Mark L. Miravalle bridges these two fields and presents a new approach to notions of God, creatures, and existence.

Explanation of Meinongianism

Miravalle explains why meinongianism, which holds that certain things can serve as intentional objects with properties, even though they do not exist, can facilitate talk of nonexistence better than other metaphysical viewpoints, such as platonism, modal realism and pretense-theory. He identifies points of connection between theology and nonexistents and uses meinongianism to buttress the cosmological and ontological arguments for God's existence. As a result he is able to explore fresh solutions to problems of classical theism, from the necessary existence of God and creation ex nihilo to free will and the problem of evil.

Contribution to Theistic Metaphysics

By revealing how a particular account of fictional objects is especially harmonious with and supportive of the major claims of traditional theism, Miravalle makes a major contribution to theistic metaphysics.

Show moreShow less