Alvin Plantinga is a renowned philosopher and theologian who has made significant contributions to the understanding and development of middle knowledge, particularly within the context of Molinism. Plantinga’s work has explored the logical coherence and implications of middle knowledge for theological and philosophical discussions. In this essay, we will examine Plantinga’s views on middle knowledge and its significance within the broader framework of Molinism.
Plantinga’s understanding of middle knowledge centers around the concept of counterfactuals of creaturely freedom. He argues that God’s middle knowledge consists of His knowledge of what free creatures would freely choose in any given circumstance. These counterfactuals are conditional statements that express what individuals would do if they were in a particular situation.
According to Plantinga, God’s middle knowledge is logically prior to His creative decree. It enables Him to know how free creatures would respond to various circumstances and to choose a world to actualize based on this knowledge. Plantinga suggests that God’s middle knowledge allows Him to create a world that achieves His purposes while also respecting the genuine freedom of creatures. This means that God has knowledge of what would occur in any possible world that He could create.
One crucial aspect of Plantinga’s perspective on middle knowledge is his emphasis on its logical coherence. He argues that middle knowledge is logically possible and does not lead to any inherent contradictions. Plantinga rejects the objection that middle knowledge violates the principle of alternative possibilities, which states that an action is only free if the agent could have done otherwise. He asserts that middle knowledge does not compromise freedom because it is based on what creatures would freely choose in different circumstances, not what they must or will choose.
Plantinga’s understanding of middle knowledge also extends to the problem of divine foreknowledge and human freedom. He contends that God’s middle knowledge resolves the apparent conflict between these two concepts. God’s middle knowledge allows Him to know what individuals would freely choose in any possible circumstance, without causally determining their choices. This means that God’s foreknowledge is consistent with human freedom, as His knowledge is based on what individuals would freely choose rather than what they are determined to choose.
Furthermore, Plantinga addresses the issue of divine determinism and the scope of God’s control over the world. He argues that God’s middle knowledge, coupled with His natural knowledge and free knowledge, allows for a comprehensive understanding of God’s sovereignty. Plantinga suggests that God’s middle knowledge enables Him to bring about His desired outcomes while still allowing for the genuine freedom of creatures. In this way, God’s control is compatible with the existence of evil and the genuine choices of individuals.
Critics of Plantinga’s views on middle knowledge have raised objections to various aspects of his perspective. Some argue that his understanding of counterfactuals relies on speculative and ontologically problematic claims. Others question the logical coherence of middle knowledge and its compatibility with divine omniscience.
Despite these objections, Plantinga’s work on middle knowledge has significantly contributed to the discussion on the topic. His emphasis on the logical coherence of middle knowledge, its compatibility with human freedom, and its resolution of the problem of divine foreknowledge and determinism have provided valuable insights and perspectives. While objections persist, Plantinga’s contributions remain influential in furthering our understanding of the complex relationship between divine knowledge and human freedom within the context of Molinism.
In conclusion, Alvin Plantinga’s work on middle knowledge has deepened our understanding of this concept within the framework of Molinism. His analysis of counterfactuals of creaturely freedom, emphasis on the logical coherence of middle knowledge, and resolution of the conflict between divine foreknowledge and human freedom provide valuable contributions to the discussion. Despite objections, Plantinga’s perspectives continue to shape and advance our understanding of the intricate interplay between divine sovereignty and human free will.