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Healthy functioning as the key to fairness in a divinely determined world

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 July 2018

DAVID B. HERSHENOV
DAVID B. HERSHENOV*
Affiliation:
Department of Philosophy, Romanell Center for Clinical Ethics and the Philosophy of Medicine, 135 Park Hall, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY14260, USA
*
e-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Defending a traditional conception of Hell against the charge of unfairness is difficult for any theorist. It would seem to be even more difficult for the Christian semi-compatibilist who believes we can be responsible when determined. If God determined the wrongdoer's choices, then it seems unfair that he is punished for his actions that were manipulated rather than autonomous. I'll argue that healthy mental functioning can explain how some causally determined actions are manipulative while others are under our control. I'll also argue that God can punish even if He lacks the standing to blame.

Type
Original Article
Information
Religious Studies , Volume 56 , Issue 2 , June 2020 , pp. 194 - 208
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018

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