Skip to content
Carmelics
TopicsThinkersChangesContributorsLoading account…

    Carmelics

    A reasoning platform. Break down any belief into clear reasons, explore both sides, and weigh the evidence honestly.

    Navigate

    • Topics
    • Search
    • Recent Changes
    • Contribute
    • How It Works
    • Glossary
    • Thinkers
    • Contributors
    • About
    • Statistics
    • Terms
    • Privacy

    Database

    Statements
    —
    Perspectives
    —
    Topics
    —

    Press ? for keyboard shortcuts

    LoyalLoyalJusticeJustice
    Made withinDC&Austin
    Statements
    321,452
    Perspectives
    108,905
    Topics
    42
    Home/Original/inverse
    See Original
    Inverse View

    It is not the case that Aquinas distinguishes absolute power (potentia absoluta) from ordained power (potentia ordinata), showing divine infinity operates within self-imposed rational limits.

    ?Set your confidence on the premises below to see your aggregate.

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.If God truly imposes limits on himself, those limits constrain his power, making him not genuinely omnipotent by definition.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.The distinction between absolute and ordained power seems ad hoc—invented to solve logical puzzles rather than grounded in theological necessity.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Divine rationality itself becomes a constraint on power, suggesting something higher than God that makes rationality binding on him.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.An omnipotent being can rationally choose self-imposed limits without losing omnipotence, just as a chess master limits moves by rules.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Divine rationality requires consistency; absolute power without logical constraints would make God's actions arbitrary and unpredictable.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Aquinas's distinction preserves God's freedom while explaining why the world exhibits intelligible natural laws rather than chaos.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Next step

    Based on where you are in your exploration

    Strongest counterpoint
    Explore the most compelling reason on the other side.