Without a principled, non-arbitrary basis for comparing infinities across distinct theological hypotheses, a revised comparison method merely relocates rather than resolves the indeterminacy the many Gods objection exposes.

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1 reason for

1 reason against

Reasons For

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Reason for

1.Comparing infinite divine attributes (omnipotence, omniscience) requires principled metrics; without them, any comparison becomes arbitrary preference-matching.
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2.The many Gods objection exploits this metric gap: relocating the problem to a new framework doesn't eliminate the underlying indeterminacy about which infinity matters.
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3.Until we establish non-arbitrary grounds for weighing incommensurable infinities, revised methods remain disguised versions of the original problem.
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Reasons Against

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Reason against

1.Some comparisons need not be infinitely precise: Occam's Razor (simpler hypotheses preferred) provides non-arbitrary grounds without quantifying infinities directly.
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2.Indeterminacy about comparing infinities doesn't entail complete indeterminacy; finite, observable consequences of theological claims remain meaningfully comparable.
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3.The claim assumes 'principled' requires mathematical precision; pragmatic or epistemic principles (explanatory power, coherence) are legitimate non-arbitrary bases.
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Key Terms

Non-arbitrary(describing whether there's a fair, logical way to measure contributions): A way of deciding something that's based on clear, objective reasons rather than just picking whatever you want without justification.
Relocates rather than resolves(philosophical problem-solving): Moves the problem to a different place instead of actually solving it—like moving a leak in your roof from one spot to another instead of fixing it.
basis(as used in philosophy): The fundamental reason or ground that supports or explains why something is true or permitted.
comparison method(as used in logic and reasoning): A systematic way of examining how different things are similar or different from each other.
indeterminacy(Decision-making under uncertainty in political and legal contexts): Uncertainty or lack of definite knowledge afflicting one or more conditions of a decision procedure, making it impossible to fully specify choices and their outcomes
infinities(as used in mathematics and theology): Unlimited or endless quantities; things that have no finite bound or limit.
principled(as used in logic and reasoning): Based on clear, consistent rules or standards rather than random choices or personal preference.
the many Gods objection(as used in philosophy of religion): A philosophical argument pointing out that if one God is possible, nothing logically prevents multiple Gods from existing, making it hard to prove only one God exists.
theological hypotheses(as used in philosophy of religion): Proposed ideas or theories about God and religious beliefs that are being tested or compared.

Connections

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Natural Theology1 linked

A reformulation of how prospects of infinite rewards are compared can resolve bo...Comparing infinite divine attributes (omnipotence, omniscience) requires princip...Indeterminacy about comparing infinities doesn't entail complete indeterminacy; ...Some comparisons need not be infinitely precise: Occam's Razor (simpler hypothes...

Details

Type: claim
Perspectives: 2 (1 for, 1 against)
Edits: 1 edit