LessonsProof of Mutual Hindrance: Divine Unity, Conflicting Wills and Eternity of AttributesQuiz

If two powerful beings agree on a result, the shared result is not itself contradictory. The question is whether their agreement is necessary or freely chosen. If necessary, its ground must be explained; if chosen, the possibility of disagreement remains to be considered.

Here omnipotence is not the power to actualize logical contradictions. The simultaneous realization of contradictories is not a possible action. The premise is instead that each supposed deity independently has the power to realize what is possible when considered in itself.

Power, will, and the range of possible objects therefore need precise definition before one can infer a conclusion merely from saying that both agents are powerful.

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Power to agree and power to oppose

Proof of Mutual Hindrance: Divine Unity, Conflicting Wills and Eternity of Attributes

If two powerful beings agree on a result, the shared result is not itself contradictory. The question is whether their agreement is necessary or freely chosen. If necessary, its ground must be explained; if chosen, the possibility of disagreement remains to be considered.

Here omnipotence is not the power to actualize logical contradictions. The simultaneous realization of contradictories is not a possible action. The premise is instead that each supposed deity independently has the power to realize what is possible when considered in itself.

Power, will, and the range of possible objects therefore need precise definition before one can infer a conclusion merely from saying that both agents are powerful.