Providence, Chance, Divine Causation, and Molinism: A Reply to Łukasiewicz

Thomas P. Flint

doi:10.18290/rf20683-3

Thomas P. Flint University of Notre Dame, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7401-5948

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18290/rf20683-3

Keywords: providence, chance, Plantinga, quantum mechanics, Molinism

Abstract

Dariusz Łukasiewicz’s “Divine Providence and Chance in the World” attempts to show that the strong traditional understanding of providence is no longer tenable, especially for one who adopts the current scientific picture of the world. In its place, Łukasiewicz suggests, we need to adopt a view of providence which allows for genuine chance events not controlled by God. I argue that he has not made his case on the need for the traditional view to be abandoned. I then examine two directions a Christian might go so as to accommodate most of the attractive elements of Łukasiewicz’s revisionary account without succumbing to the philosophical and theological defects his position exhibits.

Author Biography

Thomas P. Flint, University of Notre Dame, USA

Thomas P. Flint, PhD, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame

References

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