Tag Archives: essentialism

Notes on Muller’s PRRD vol 4

Posted on July 6, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Roscellin: confirmed anti-realist.  This view led him to declare that every existent thing is a unique individual: so-called universals are “mere words.” (Muller 26).   The problem with Boethuis’s definition of person:   The definition ultimately poses all manner of problems … Continue reading →

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Review: Plantinga, Nature of Necessity

Posted on April 14, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

The most difficult yet most important book (outside of Bible) I have read. Somebody described this book perfectly: “I felt like I was up against a Level 97 Boss and I was only Level 70.” Plantinga begins his survey of modal … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Harassing the Hobgoblins, Philosophy | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

A patristic ordo theologiae

Posted on January 28, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

The following summary comes from years of studying and interacting with Joseph Farrell’s theological works.  I had a breakthrough yesterday on the nature of the soul. Many substance dualists see the soul as the person, yet Christologically this is impermissible, … Continue reading →

Posted in Church History, Fathers | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Definition of Essence

Posted on November 1, 2017 by J. B. Aitken

Some notes from Jay Richards’ Untamed God. The definition of essence is a set of properties that an entity exemplifies (64). A property is some fact or truth about an entity in the world.  In our usage we want to say … Continue reading →

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Review: Untamed God

Posted on April 18, 2017 by J. B. Aitken

This is a magnificently fine book.  Richards seeks to offer a robust defense of classical theism, yet he is sensitive to the challenges. He mostly succeeds. Thesis:  “Christians should affirm that God has an essence, which includes his perfections and … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Philosophy | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments