Stephen Davis's Explanation of the Problem of Personal Identity based on the Divine Will and its Critical Analysis

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Islamic Theology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

2 Department of Islamic Philosophy, Faculty of Islamic Theology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Personal identity and the criteria for the continuity of human existence are of special interest to theologians due to their crucial role in the afterlife. The objections and criticisms raised in the fields of philosophy of religion and philosophy of mind regarding the possibility of personal identity have led some to believe that explaining existential identity between a person in this world and the person resurrected after death is not feasible. As a result, theories like "the closest continuer" have been proposed. These theories have motivated certain Christian theologians, including Stephen Davis, to defend the possibility of the continuation of personal identity against these objections and doubts. In response to criticisms that overlook the theological foundations of the issue, Davis has attempted to explain the possibility of personal identity by adopting an intra-religious approach and considering the absolute "will of God." Davis insists that addressing the present problem and responding to its criticisms requires taking its theological foundations into account. This article conducts a descriptive-analytical study of Davis's works to critically analyze his approach and methodology in using theological foundations to counter the criticisms raised in the philosophy of religion and the philosophy of mind

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References

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Philosophy of Religion
Volume 20, Issue 2
July 2023
Pages 89-102

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