Modality, Probability, and Rationality: A Critical Examination of Alvin Plantinga's Philosophy (American University Studies) - Hardcover

Sennett, James F.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0820416665 ISBN 13: 9780820416663

Publisher: Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers, 1992

Synopsis

This work examines several major projects in Plantinga's career, particularly as they relate to his defense of the rationality of theistic belief. Chapters are dedicated to his modal ontological argument, his free will defense, his attacks on inductive arguments from evil, and his «Reformed epistemology» program, in which he argues that theistic belief can be rational without reliance on propositional evidence. Along the way the book deals with important issues in possible worlds semantics, probability theory, and the theory of knowledge. Account is taken of Plantinga's most recent work, including his forthcoming books in epistemology. Though some portions of the work deal with technical concepts of modal and probabilistic logics, all professional philosophers and many professional theologians should find the book accessible, understandable, and informative.

About this title

About the Author

The Author: James F. Sennett is currently an assistant professor of philosophy at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. He has also taught at the University of Nebraska and Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. Sennett holds a B.A. from Atlanta Christian College, an M.Div. from Lincoln Christian Seminary, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska, where he was a Presidential Fellow during the year 1989-1990, Sennett is actively involved in the American Philosophical Association and the Society of Christian Philosophers. He has published papers in Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, The Southern Journal of Philosophy, Religious Studies, Logos, and Faith and Philosophy. Modality, Probability, and Rationality is his first book. Sennett has been married for thirteen years. He and his wife, Tara, have a ten-year-old daughter, Gina.

Review

«Sennett's book is first-rate criticism, a careful and penetrating examination of many of the main issues involved in my work. His criticisms have given me much to think about; I feel a little like J.E. McTaggart must have felt after being examined by C.D. Broad. More than that, Sennett's book is insightful; he understands a great deal about the motivation and direction of my work. I have learned much about my work from reading his book.» (Alvin Plantinga, University of Notre Dame)
«This book is far more than a rigorous and scholarly examination of a major contemporary philosopher. It also contributes significantly to a number of problems in epistemology, the philosophy of religion, and the theory of rationality. It is indispensable for those studying Plantinga in depth, and will be rewarding for many general philosophy readers.» (Robert Audi, University of Nebraska)
«...'Modality, Probability, and Rationality' is well worth reading. In fact, it is a must for anyone interested in contemporary analytic philosophy of religion, particularly those interested in Plantinga's contributions.» (Mark S. McLeod, Faith and Philosophy)

Edition details

• Publisher: Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0820416665
• ISBN 13: 9780820416663
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 192