Contemplating Divine Simplicity
Five Views
Will be published approx. on 16. April 2026
Book
Hardback
328 pages
978-1-350-32111-3 (ISBN)
Description
Is divine simplicity coherent? Is there adequate theological and philosophical motivation for the doctrine? Does it undermine God's freedom in creation? Does it help or hinder Trinitarian doctrine? For the first time in a multi-view format, a team of renowned proponents and critics of divine simplicity come together to consider these questions and discuss the intrinsic merits of the doctrine.
With contributors presenting Thomistic, Anselmian, Eastern Orthodox and Scotistic views, as well as a sustained and considered critique, this unique structure makes for a genuine discussion and developed exploration of the key issues at stake. Chapters evaluate the coherence and interpretation of divine simplicity, assessing which version is worthy of assent, and set out the motivations in favour of the doctrine. Divine freedom, the contingency of creation and the doctrine of the Trinity are also considered in light of theological arguments against divine simplicity.
A valuable resource for any scholar or student of philosophy of religion and theology, Contemplating Divine Simplicity brings into dialogue diverse views of five thinkers, tracing the arguments in favour of divine simplicity from divine aseity.
With contributors presenting Thomistic, Anselmian, Eastern Orthodox and Scotistic views, as well as a sustained and considered critique, this unique structure makes for a genuine discussion and developed exploration of the key issues at stake. Chapters evaluate the coherence and interpretation of divine simplicity, assessing which version is worthy of assent, and set out the motivations in favour of the doctrine. Divine freedom, the contingency of creation and the doctrine of the Trinity are also considered in light of theological arguments against divine simplicity.
A valuable resource for any scholar or student of philosophy of religion and theology, Contemplating Divine Simplicity brings into dialogue diverse views of five thinkers, tracing the arguments in favour of divine simplicity from divine aseity.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
658 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-350-32111-3 (9781350321113)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
03/2026
1st Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€94.49
Available for download
E-Book
03/2026
1st Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€94.49
Available for download
Person
Ross D. Inman is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA, and the lead editor of Philosophia Christi.
Content
1. "A Thomistic Account of Divine Simplicity," W. Matthews Grant
2. "An Anselmian Account of Divine Simplicity," Katherin Rogers
3. "A Scotistic Account of Divine Simplicity," Joshua Blander
4. "An Eastern Orthodox Account of Divine Simplicity," David Bradshaw
5. "Against Divine Simplicity," R.T. Mullins
Against A Thomistic Account of Divine Simplicity
6. Rogers
7. Blander
8. Bradshaw
9. Mullins
Against An Anselmian Account of Divine Simplicity
10. Grant
11. Blander
12. Bradshaw
13. Mullins
Against A Scotistic Account of Divine Simplicity
14. Grant
15. Rogers
16. Bradshaw
17. Mullins
Against an Eastern Orthodox Account of Divine Simplicity
18. Grant
19. Rogers
20. Blander
21. Mullins
Against a Critique of Divine Simplicity
22. Grant
23. Rogers
24. Blander
25. Bradshaw
Final Rejoinders
26. A Thomistic Account of Divine Simplicity: A Final Rejoinder, Grant
27. An Anselmian Account of Divine Simplicity: A Final Rejoinder, Rogers
28. A Scotistic Account of Divine Simplicity: A Final Rejoinder, Blander
29. An Eastern Orthodox Account of Divine Simplicity: A Final Rejoinder Bradshaw
30. A Critique of Divine Simplicity, Mullins
Bibliography
Index
2. "An Anselmian Account of Divine Simplicity," Katherin Rogers
3. "A Scotistic Account of Divine Simplicity," Joshua Blander
4. "An Eastern Orthodox Account of Divine Simplicity," David Bradshaw
5. "Against Divine Simplicity," R.T. Mullins
Against A Thomistic Account of Divine Simplicity
6. Rogers
7. Blander
8. Bradshaw
9. Mullins
Against An Anselmian Account of Divine Simplicity
10. Grant
11. Blander
12. Bradshaw
13. Mullins
Against A Scotistic Account of Divine Simplicity
14. Grant
15. Rogers
16. Bradshaw
17. Mullins
Against an Eastern Orthodox Account of Divine Simplicity
18. Grant
19. Rogers
20. Blander
21. Mullins
Against a Critique of Divine Simplicity
22. Grant
23. Rogers
24. Blander
25. Bradshaw
Final Rejoinders
26. A Thomistic Account of Divine Simplicity: A Final Rejoinder, Grant
27. An Anselmian Account of Divine Simplicity: A Final Rejoinder, Rogers
28. A Scotistic Account of Divine Simplicity: A Final Rejoinder, Blander
29. An Eastern Orthodox Account of Divine Simplicity: A Final Rejoinder Bradshaw
30. A Critique of Divine Simplicity, Mullins
Bibliography
Index