"Plantinga has expressed a modal logic version of the ontological argument in which he uses modal logic to develop, in a more rigorous and formal way, Norman Malcolm's and Charles Hartshorne's modal ontological arguments. However this restructuring of the argument fails to circumvent Immanuel Kant's refutations of the prior forms of the argument." Wiki on Plantinga
Picking up on the previous thread I can understand why someone might put it in the category of "angels on the head of a pin" type theology... But I think that's true of logic in general. Just cause something is hard to understand doesn't mean its nonsense.
I think Victor's point was that modal logic isn't something theologians developed to make obscure theological claims. It's its own thing, as anyone with some basic knowledge of philosophy would know.
My prof. once said that modal logic (necessity and possibility) historically developed from Anselm's ontological argument. Doesn't really mean that it's a religious thing, but it does show a huge contribution Anselm made to western philosophy.
5 comments:
"Plantinga has expressed a modal logic version of the ontological argument in which he uses modal logic to develop, in a more rigorous and formal way, Norman Malcolm's and Charles Hartshorne's modal ontological arguments. However this restructuring of the argument fails to circumvent Immanuel Kant's refutations of the prior forms of the argument." Wiki on Plantinga
Modal logic is also a major component of Molinism. A practical example can be found in Craig's "The Only Wise God":
http://www.amazon.com/The-Only-Wise-Compatibility-Foreknowledge/dp/1579103162
Picking up on the previous thread I can understand why someone might put it in the category of "angels on the head of a pin" type theology... But I think that's true of logic in general. Just cause something is hard to understand doesn't mean its nonsense.
Caleb,
I think Victor's point was that modal logic isn't something theologians developed to make obscure theological claims. It's its own thing, as anyone with some basic knowledge of philosophy would know.
BeingItself could not possibly embarrass himself more. He's a laughing stock.
My prof. once said that modal logic (necessity and possibility) historically developed from Anselm's ontological argument. Doesn't really mean that it's a religious thing, but it does show a huge contribution Anselm made to western philosophy.
Post a Comment