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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
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    Home/Original/inverse
    See Original
    Inverse View

    It is not the case that Matter has never come into existence but is co-eternal with God, yet distinct from God.

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

    Reasons For

    2 perspectives
    Reason for 1 of 2
    ?
    • 1.Plotinus argues that matter, as pure privation and non-being, cannot be co-eternal with the One without introducing an uncaused dualistic principle.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.A co-eternal matter constrains divine omnipotence by positing an independent substrate God did not produce, violating the Neoplatonic principle of unified causation.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reason for 2 of 2
    ?
    • 1.Augustine contends in Confessions XII that formless matter is itself created ex nihilo, since existence of any kind requires a divine source.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.If matter is unlimited and indefinite as P2 claims, it possesses no ontological ground for its own eternal subsistence independent of a sustaining cause.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.A literal interpretation of Plato's Timaeus requires that matter is not created.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Matter is unlimited, indefinite, without form and quality.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Co-eternal entities are distinct from the divine principle while sharing existence without temporal origin.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

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