The Importance of Choice in the Creation of the Universe

Ar-Razi Ali argues that unless God is freely choosing in this way, he cannot be counted as the real agent or maker of the universe. He accuses philosophers of a double standard: They allow arbitrary choice when it comes to the universe's spatial properties, but not when time is at stake. If only he can create things after they do not exist, then only he is the real agent of the universe and of everything in it. The Great Fire of Chicago apparently was caused by no agent at all, since the fire that broke out was not choosing to burn anything.