The Metaphysics of Perfect Beings Routledge Studies in the Philosophy of Religion Series

The Metaphysics of Perfect Beings addresses the problems an Anselmian perfect being faces in contexts involving unlimited options. Recent advances in the theory of vagueness, the metaphysics of multiverses and hyperspace, the theory of dynamic or sequential choice, the logic of moral and rational dilemmas, and metaethical theory provide the resources to formulate the new challenges and the Anselmian responses with an unusual degree of precision. Almeida shows that the challenges arising in the unusual contexts involving unlimited options sometimes produce metaphysical surprise.

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter One: Atheistic Arguments from Improvability

Chapter Two: Rational Choice and No Best World

Chapter Three: On Evil's Vague Necessity

Chapter Four: The Problem of No Maximum Evil

Chapter Five: On the Logic of Imperfection

Chapter Six: Supervenience, Divine Freedom and Absolute Orderings

Chapter Seven: Vague Eschatology

Chapter Eight: Theistic Modal Realism, Multiverses and Hyperspace

Appendices

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Michael J. Almeida teaches philosophy at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and is the author of numerous articles on philosophy of religion, ethics and metaethics published in journals such as Australasian Journal of Philosophy, Philosophia, Philosophical Papers, Philosophical Studies, and Theoria.