Abstract
In this article I assess the coherence of Jonathan Edwards's doctrine of divine simplicity as an instance of an actus purus account of perfect-being theology. Edwards's view is an idiosyncratic version of this doctrine. This is due to a number of factors including his idealism and the Trinitarian context from which he developed his notion of simplicity. These complicating factors lead to a number of serious problems for his account, particularly with respect to the opera extra sunt indivisa principle. I conclude that Edwards sets out an interesting and subtle version of the doctrine, but one which appears mired in difficulties from which he is unable to extract himself.
Translated title of the contribution | 'Jonathan Edwards on divine simplicity' |
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Original language | English |
Pages (from-to) | 23 - 41 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Religious Studies |
Volume | 39 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2003 |