Divine Simplicity: A New Assessment

One of the attributes traditionally ascribed to God by medieval philosophers is divine simplicity. This article explores the various interpretations of divine simplicity presented by medieval thinkers, evaluating their philosophical plausibility. It addresses the concept of divine simplicity primarily with respect to the absence of plurality in the divine essence. While God is free from material multiplicity, the discussion highlights that analytical plurality–comprising existence and quiddity–can still exist. Regarding the conception of divine simplicity as pure actuality, the article argues that this concept is acceptable only concerning the attributes of the divine essence. A third interpretation posits that God's attributes are identical to His essence. If this interpretation means that God's attributes do not contribute to multiplicity within the divine essence, then it could also apply to humans and is not exclusive to God. However, if it implies a complete semantic and ontological identity between God and His attributes, this interpretation would be problematic. In conclusion, the article asserts that the concept of divine simplicity is valid in certain senses but not in others.

کلیدواژه ها:

divine simplicity ، Medieval Philosophers ، divine attributes ، sovereignty of God.