Ep. 266 - Is God the Luckiest Possible Being? w/Dr. Dre Rusavuk
Oct 12, 2024
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Dr. Dre Rusavuk, a recent PhD graduate from the University of Birmingham, joins to discuss whether God is the luckiest possible being. They explore the tension between perfect being theism and the concept of luck. The conversation dives into divine immutability and how luck might coexist with a perfect God. They also tackle the implications of God's attributes on free will and moral responsibility, questioning how divine nature interacts with human understanding of luck and praiseworthiness.
The podcast presents a provocative notion of God as the 'luckiest possible being', challenging traditional views on divine perfection.
Discussions on moral and constitutive luck reveal complex interactions between God's unchangeable attributes and potential influences from external factors.
The dialogue critiques the 'perfect immutability thesis', suggesting that a divine being could be characterized by unique forms of luck and agency.
Deep dives
The Concept of God as the Luckiest Being
The podcast explores a novel perspective on God by considering Him as the 'luckiest possible being'. This idea challenges traditional views held by classical theists, who argue that a perfect being must be immune to luck. The discussion continues by defining perfect being theology, which posits that God possesses the greatest collection of compossible perfections. This framework leads to the provocative assertion that, despite divine perfections, God could still be subject to luck, as luck could arise from the interplay of His attributes and the nature of existence.
Moral and Constitutive Luck
The conversation delves into the concepts of moral luck and constitutive luck, which are essential to understanding the implications of God's character. Moral luck considers how external circumstances influence ethical assessments of a person’s actions, while constitutive luck refers to inherent qualities beyond one's control that shape individual character. The guests discuss whether and how these forms of luck might apply to God, given that His attributes are essentially unchangeable. The dialogue questions whether it can be coherent to say that God could possess luck, thereby prompting a reevaluation of what it means to be a perfect being.
Perfect Immutability Thesis
A significant point in the discussion includes the 'perfect immutability thesis,' which asserts that God is necessarily free from luck. This principle aligns with many classical theist positions suggesting that God's nature cannot be subject to chance. However, the podcast challenges this notion by proposing that if God is indeed the luckiest being, then it may suggest an important distinction between being 'lucky' in a traditional sense and possessing unique attributes. This perspective invites listeners to rethink the very nature of divine attributes and the relationship between luck and perfection.
Defining Control and Luck
The hosts highlight a critical relationship between control and luck, positing that a lack of control is essential for something to be deemed lucky. They differentiate between direct and indirect forms of control, demonstrating how one’s choices can influence whether an event is classified as lucky. In God's context, discussions around whether He exerts control over his actions while remaining inherently perfect take center stage. Ultimately, the conversation raises intriguing questions about divine agency and the implications of luck in theological discussions.
Philosophical Implications and Future Directions
The episode emphasizes the philosophical implications of luck in theology, suggesting that moral and circumstantial luck may influence God's actions and ultimate responsibilities. The guests encourage further exploration of these concepts, especially as they relate to the nature of God and human understanding of free will. Drawing on existing literature, they invite listeners to engage with the philosophical discourse surrounding luck and its intersection with divine attributes. This inquiry not only probes the nature of God but also challenges scholars to consider how luck might play a crucial role in analyzing theological principles.
In episode 265 of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Dre Rusavuk to discuss the idea that God is the luckiest of all possible beings.
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