LessonsEternal Knowledge, Power, Life, Will and Their RelationsQuiz

Objection: if knowledge corresponds to an object’s state, why does it not change when the object passes from nonexistence to existence?

The answer distinguishes:
1. The object’s states: not existing earlier and existing later are two true descriptions at their respective times.
2. Eternal knowledge: comprehends both states under their correct temporal descriptions from eternity.

Thus “Zayd is not in the house now” and “Zayd will be in the house later” can both be correct with their time qualifications. Knowing them does not involve contradictory beliefs. The change occurs in Zayd's circumstances, not in the knowledge that comprehends those circumstances.

Opening interactive controls...

Objection: does a changing object change knowledge?

Eternal Knowledge, Power, Life, Will and Their Relations

Objection: if knowledge corresponds to an object’s state, why does it not change when the object passes from nonexistence to existence?

The answer distinguishes:
1. The object’s states: not existing earlier and existing later are two true descriptions at their respective times.
2. Eternal knowledge: comprehends both states under their correct temporal descriptions from eternity.

Thus “Zayd is not in the house now” and “Zayd will be in the house later” can both be correct with their time qualifications. Knowing them does not involve contradictory beliefs. The change occurs in Zayd's circumstances, not in the knowledge that comprehends those circumstances.