The Axiology of Theism (Elements in the Philosophy of Religion)

Theism is the view that God exists; naturalism is the view that there are no supernatural beings, processes, mechanisms, or forces. This Element explores whether things are better, worse, or neither on theism relative to naturalism. It introduces readers to the central philosophical issues that bear on this question, and it distinguishes a wide range of ways it can be answered. It critically examines four views, three of which hold (in various ways) that things are better on theism than on naturalism, and one of which holds just the opposite. Cover Title page Copyright page Natural Law Theory Contents 1 Stage-Setting 1.1 Five Generic Positions 1.2 Clarification of Terms 1.3 Scope Issues, Combining Positions, and Alternate Views 1.4 Are the Relevant Comparisons Intelligible? 1.5 Considerations Supporting Each Generic Axiological View 1.6 Outline of this Element 2 Global Modal Space Pro-theism 2.1 Clarifications 2.2 First Argument for GWMSPT: On Theism, Every World Is Overall Unsurpassable Objections to EWU 2.3 Second Argument for GWMSPT: On Theism, Every World Is Overall Good Objections 2.4 Third Argument For GWMSPT: On Theism, Every World Is Overall Better Objections 2.5 Final Thoughts on GWMSPT 3 Actual World Pro-theism 3.1 Clarifications 3.2 An Argument for WAWPT: On Theism, The Actual World is Overall Unsurpassable 3.2.1 Supporting AWU 3.2.2 Does AWU Entail WAWPT? 3.3 Objections to AWU 3.4 Final Thoughts on WAWPT 4 Local Modal Space Pro-theism and Local Modal Space Anti-theism 4.1 Clarifications 4.2 Pro-theistic Considerations 4.2.1 Ultimate Justice 4.2.2 Anchoring Morality 4.2.3 Meaningful Lives 4.2.4 No Gratuitous Evil 4.2.5 Involuntary, Undeserved Suffering Ultimately Benefits the Sufferer 4.2.6 Belief in God; Relationship with God 4.3 Anti-theistic Considerations 4.3.1 Loss of Freedom 4.3.2 Loss of Privacy 4.3.3 Loss of Dignity 4.3.4 Loss of Knowledge or Understanding 4.3.5 Loss of the Intelligibility of Commonsense Morality 4.3.6 Loss of Meaning 4.4 Final Thoughts on LMSPT and LMSAT References Acknowledgments Dedication Klaas J. Kraay. Electronic Reproduction. Cambridge Available Via World Wide Web.