There cannot be two omnipotent beings
International Journal for Philosophy of Religion 64 (1):21 - 33 (2008)
Abstract
We argue that there is no metaphysically possible world with two or more omnipotent beings, due to the potential for conflicts of will between them. We reject the objection that omnipotent beings could exist in the same world when their wills could not conflict. We then turn to Alfred Mele and M.P. Smith’s argument that two coexisting beings could remain omnipotent even if, on some occasions, their wills cancel each other out so that neither can bring about what they intend. We argue that this argument has an absurd consequence, namely having to regard an utterly powerless being as omnipotent.Author's Profile
DOI
10.1007/s11153-007-9152-7
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God and Other Minds: A Study of the Rational Justification of Belief in God.Alvin Plantinga - 1967 - Ithaca: Cornell University Press.
The Nature of God: An Inquiry into Divine Attributes.Edward R. Wierenga - 1989 - Ithaca: Cornell University Press.
The True Intellectual System of the Universe: Wherein All the Reason and Philosophy of Atheism Is Confuted and Its Impossibility Demonstrated.Ralph Cudworth - 1845 - Thoemmes Press.
Our Idea of God: An Introduction to Philosophical Theology.Thomas V. Morris - 1991 - Intervarsity Press.