Miracles: metaphysics and modality |
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Mumford (Stephen) |
Source: Religious Studies, 37, Issue 02, June 2001, pp 191-202 |
Paper - Abstract |
Paper Summary |
CUP AbstractIt is argued that miracles are best understood as natural events with supernatural causes and that such causal interaction is logically possible. Such miracles may, or may not, involve violations of natural laws. If violations of laws are possible, Humean supervenience1 views of laws are best avoided. Where miracles violate laws, it shows that what is naturally impossible may be actual and what is naturally necessary may not be actual. Whether or not miracles actually occur, this demonstrates that the nomic modalities differ from the logical. The theory contrasts favourably with competitors and allows, contrary to an interpretation of Aquinas, that Creation would have been a miracle.
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