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    Carmelics

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

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    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 God is neither a universal (genus or species) nor an individual falling under a universal

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

    Reasons For

    2 perspectives
    Reason for 1 of 2
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    • 1.Porphyry's Isagoge establishes that 'being' functions as a genus-like category applicable to God and creatures in Neoplatonic theology.
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    • 2.If 'being' is predicated univocally of God and creatures, God falls under a maximally general category, contradicting the claim.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Avicenna's distinction between existence and essence applies even to God, implying God has a quiddity that could ground generic predication.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reason for 2 of 2
    ?
    • 1.Duns Scotus argues that 'being' is univocally predicated of God and creatures, making God fall under a transcendental quasi-genus.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.If univocity of being holds, then God shares at minimum a formal common nature with creatures, undermining the sharp exclusion from universals.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Absolute simplicity does not preclude formal distinctions, as Scotus's formal distinction allows real conceptual differentiation within a simple being.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.God is absolutely simple
      ?

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    • 2.Genera and species are composite
      ?

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    • 3.Individuals falling under genera or species have a quiddity or definition, and therefore compositeness
      ?

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    Next step

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