God, Existence, and Fictional Objects - by John-Mark L Miravalle (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

God and fictional objects are central topics within philosophy, but rarely do the respective discussions overlap. Until now the two fields have remained independent. Applying the debate about fictional objects to issues of theology for the first time, John-Mark L. Miravalle bridges these two fields and presents a new approach to notions of God, creatures, and existence.

Miravalle explains why meinongianism, which holds that certain things can serve as intentional objects with properties, even though they do not exist, can facilitate talk of nonexistence better than other metaphysical viewpoints, such as platonism, modal realism and pretense-theory. He identifies points of connection between theology and nonexistents and uses meinongianism to buttress the cosmological and ontological arguments for God's existence. As a result he is able to explore fresh solutions to problems of classical theism, from the necessary existence of God and creation ex nihilo to free will and the problem of evil.

By revealing how a particular account of fictional objects is especially harmonious with and supportive of the major claims of traditional theism, Miravalle makes a major contribution to theistic metaphysics.

Review Quotes

It will interest metaphysicians, philosophers of religion, and especially those working on metaphysical questions in philosophy of religion. I also think that it would be useful as a student text for advanced courses-a fun way to bring together and to bring to life a host of tricky puzzles in philosophy of religion.
International Journal for Philosophy of Religion

Miravalle's writing is clear, his knowledge of the salient philosophical and theological issues expansive, and his chutzpah to defend an unfashionable view with originality and verve is admirable ... I recommend God, Existence, and Fictional Objects as an example of the best kind of philosophical theology: that which moves our minds and hearts to worship and praise of the divine.
Religious Studies

What if the modern dogma that "existence is not a [first-order] predicate" has obscured fundamental theological insights about God and creation? With ambition and force, Miravalle defends the view that existence characterizes some things and not others, and shows that rightly conceptualizing non-existence and non-existent things is crucial for appreciating central claims and arguments of classical theism.
Joshua Hochschild, Monsignor Robert R. Kline Professor of Philosophy, Mount St. Mary's University, USA

About the Author

John-Mark Miravalle is Assistant Professor of Theology in the Seminary at Mount St. Mary's University, USA.