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The Free Will Show

Episode 83: Divine Causation and Creaturely Action with Gloria Frost

Sep 16, 2024
In this discussion, Gloria Frost, a philosophy professor known for her work on medieval thought, dives into the intricate relationship between divine causation and human action. She articulates how figures like Aquinas and Scotus view the balance of divine influence and free will. The conversation explores radical perspectives, particularly Alevi's critique of excessive divine causation affecting God's goodness. With insights into emerging trends, Gloria reveals how these age-old debates continue to shape contemporary philosophical discourse.
31:11

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast highlights the ongoing discourse around divine causation, emphasizing how medieval concepts influence modern views on free will and responsibility.
  • Gloria Frost discusses three key medieval figures, each presenting distinct models of divine and creaturely causation, shaping theological and philosophical debates today.

Deep dives

Exploring Divine and Creaturely Causation

The episode delves into the intricate relationship between divine causation and creaturely action, highlighting the challenges posed when reconciling God's omnipotence with human free will. Traditional views across major religious traditions assert that God continuously creates and sustains everything in existence, thus raising questions about the autonomy of creatures to cause effects on their own. For instance, if God is seen as the constant force behind all actions, one might wonder if human free will is merely an illusion, leading to vital discussions about what role creatures play in their own actions. The episode emphasizes that these foundational debates constitute a significant part of philosophical discussions throughout the medieval period, directly impacting how free will and responsibility are understood.

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