Pantheism

This volume examines pantheism as an alternative to traditional theism and explores some conceptual and metaphysical challenges it faces.

Andrei A. Buckareff (Author)

9781108457507, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 10 March 2022

100 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.5 cm, 0.13 kg

This Element focuses on some core conceptual and ontological issues related to pantheistic conceptions of God by engaging with recent work in analytic philosophy of religion on this topic. The conceptual and ontological commitments of pantheism are contrasted with those of other conceptions of God. The concept of God assumed by pantheism is clarified and the question about what type of unity the universe must exhibit in order to be identical with God receives the most attention. It is argued that the sort of unity the universe must display is the sort of unity characteristic of conscious cognitive systems. Some alternative ontological frameworks for grounding such cognitive unity are considered. Further, the question of whether God can be understood as personal on pantheism is explored.

1. Introduction
2. Clarifying what we could mean by 'pantheism'
3. Kinds of unity and the divine mind
4. Unity, ontology, and the divine mind
5. Personal or impersonal pantheism?
6. Conclusion
References.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of religion [HRAB], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ], Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology [HPJ]