The Free Will Show

Leigh Vicens, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Augustana University, delves into the intricate relationship between sin and free will within Christian thought. She explores theological determinism and compatibilism, unpacking their implications for human agency and moral responsibility. The discussion also critiques libertarian views, highlighting challenges like trans world depravity. Moreover, the conversation touches on universalism, addressing moral questions and inviting deeper reflection on the essence of divine justice and love.

In this conversation with Benjamin Matheson, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Byrne, the complexities of free will in heaven unravel. They explore how compatibilist and libertarian viewpoints clash in a perfect afterlife. Matheson dissects morality’s relationship with free will, questioning how choices and redemption shape our existence even in paradise. The dialogue also delves into the implications of a benevolent God, the nature of moral responsibility, and the philosophical challenges of true freedom in a suffering-free environment.

In this episode, we talk with Tom Ward about divine free will, focusing on Duns Scotus's view of divine free will and the act of creation.Tom's website: https://www.thomasmward.com/Tom's book, Ordered by Love: An Introduction to John Duns Scotus: https://angelicopress.com/products/ordered-by-love?srsltid=AfmBOoo6x3lkxblphcS_BASqIQmPqR6wr6ZO6objsyEtwLdgGrTyl5G9Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefreewillshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreewillshow/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Free-Will-Show-105535031200408/

In this episode, we talk with Kevin Timpe about grace and free will, focusing on a puzzle that arises for the Christian view of divine grace towards fallen human beings.Kevin's website: https://kevintimpe.com/Kevin's book: Free Will in Philosophical TheologyKevin's papers:Grace and Controlling What We Do Not CauseCooperative Grace, Cooperative AgencyTwitter: https://twitter.com/thefreewillshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreewillshow/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Free-Will-Show-105535031200408/

In this episode we talk with John Bishop and Ken Perszyk about the euteleological understanding of theism, which is an alternative to personal theism.John's website: https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/jc-bishopKen's website: https://profiles.waikato.ac.nz/ken.perszykJohn and Ken's book: God, Purpose, and RealityTwitter: https://twitter.com/thefreewillshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreewillshow/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Free-Will-Show-105535031200408/

Scott Davison, a philosophy professor at Moorhead State University, dives deep into the intriguing world of petitionary prayer. He explores its definition and the philosophical challenges it faces, particularly concerning divine free will. Davison shares his journey from libertarianism to an agnostic view on free will, influenced by scientific insights. The conversation also touches on how genuine responses to prayer can be understood, emphasizing intent and context while questioning the real impact of prayer on divine decisions.

In this episode, we talk with Alan Rhoda about the strengths and weaknesses of various models of divine providence and free will.Alan's website: http://www.alanrhoda.net/Alan's book, Open Theism: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/open-theism/58D1856058A7BAED3BD758245927FADBTwitter: https://twitter.com/thefreewillshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreewillshow/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Free-Will-Show-105535031200408/

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.

In this episode, we talk with Jason Turner about whether certain kinds of compatibilists can use the free will defense in response to the problem of evil.Jason's website: https://philosophy.arizona.edu/person/jason-turnerJason's paper, "Compatibilism and the Free Will Defense": https://place.asburyseminary.edu/faithandphilosophy/vol30/iss2/1/Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefreewillshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefreewillshow/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Free-Will-Show-105535031200408/

Daniel Speak, a Professor of Philosophy specializing in metaphysics and the problem of evil, shares his insightful journey into the complexities of free will. He humorously explores racquetball anecdotes while delving into the tension between evil and an all-good deity. The discussion spans historical and modern views on moral responsibility, highlighting thinkers like John Hick and Alvin Plantinga. Speak emphasizes human evolution as a divine journey of moral growth, emphasizing the importance of free will in shaping character and overcoming life's challenges.