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 Divinity as a perfect being is entirely beyond having desires and aims.

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

    Reasons For

    2 perspectives
    Reason for 1 of 2
    ?
    • 1.Aristotle's unmoved mover engages in self-directed intellection, showing perfect beings can have an intrinsic activity directed at an object.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.An activity directed at a proper object (e.g., self-contemplation) constitutes a functional analogue of aim without implying deficiency.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Therefore, having aims does not entail lacking a perfection, which undermines P2 of the supporting argument.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reason for 2 of 2
    ?
    • 1.Aquinas holds that God wills the good freely and necessarily, meaning divine volition is compatible with absolute perfection (ST Ia, q.19).
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.If perfect willing is coherent, then desires and aims re-described as expressions of superabundant goodness need not presuppose any lack.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.The supporting argument illicitly assumes a privative model of desire, ignoring expressive or emanative models present in Neoplatonic and Thomistic traditions.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.God lacks no perfection worthy of the name.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Desires and aims arise only when a perfection is lacking and sought.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Therefore God has nothing to desire or aim at.
      ?

      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.