Retrogradation of Truth and Omniscience

Todd and Rabern have argued that assuming future contingents are untrue, together with accepting the principle of the retrogradation of truth (p→PF(p)), implies that it is metaphysically impossible that an omniscient entity exists. Since the possibility of an omniscient being is a metaphyisical and theological thesis that should not depend on assumed temporal semantics, Todd and Rabern conclude that, if one wishes to maintain the untruth of future contingents, one must reject the principle of the retrogradation of truth. This paper aims to show that Todd and Rabern’s argument fails. We present a temporal semantics in which future contingents are untrue, the principle of the retrogradation of truth is valid, and the potential existence of an omniscient and temporal being is preserved.

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Publication Details

Journal
Philosophies
Published
2025-04-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies10020046
Primary Topic
Philosophy and Theoretical Science
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Retrogradation of Truth and Omniscience

Ciro De Florio, Aldo Frigerio
Philosophies
Philosophy and Theoretical Science
article

Retrogradation of Truth and Omniscience

Ciro De Florio, Aldo Frigerio
article en

Abstract

Todd and Rabern have argued that assuming future contingents are untrue, together with accepting the principle of the retrogradation of truth (p→PF(p)), implies that it is metaphysically impossible that an omniscient entity exists. Since the possibility of an omniscient being is a metaphyisical and theological thesis that should not depend on assumed temporal semantics, Todd and Rabern conclude that, if one wishes to maintain the untruth of future contingents, one must reject the principle of the retrogradation of truth. This paper aims to show that Todd and Rabern’s argument fails. We present a temporal semantics in which future contingents are untrue, the principle of the retrogradation of truth is valid, and the potential existence of an omniscient and temporal being is preserved.

PhilosophiesVol. 10(2)
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (IT)
European Commission
Openalex Percentile: Top 92%
Philosophy and Theoretical Science
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