Classical Theism, Philosophy, and Religion Forum / Another Question About God and Abstract Objects.

**Posted by AKG** 3/17/2016 5:03 am

According to the Internet Encyclopedia of philosophy:
"Objects that are neither mental nor physical are abstract"(from the article on mathematical Platonism)
If this is true then wouldn't this mean that God Himself who is not physical or mental would be an abstract object?

Last edited by AKG (3/17/2016 5:04 am)

**Posted by DanielCC** 3/17/2016 6:15 am

No. as has already been discussed an Abstract Object lacks (efficient) casual powers.

**Posted by AKG** 3/17/2016 8:10 am

Abstract objects are also said to be necessary. But people such as Aquinas, and other classical theist have held that they have their necessity through another. Does anyone know any arguments classical theist have given to support this view?

**Posted by John West** 3/18/2016 11:35 am

Suppose the abstract number objects exist.

The abstract object 9 has an essence (what it is) that isn't identical to its existence (that it is). If 9's essence is not identical to its existence, 9's essence is really distinct from its existence (Thomism's claim). Hence, the essence of the abstract object 9 is really distinct from its existence. Then you're off on the second part of the Third Way.

Most Thomists deny the existence of abstract objects, though.

**Posted by AKG** 3/18/2016 11:37 am

Really? From a Platonic perspective how would the necessity of God and abstracts objects be reconciled?

**Posted by John West** 3/18/2016 11:40 am

AKG wrote:
Really? From a Platonic perspective how would the necessity of God and abstracts objects be reconciled?

They would say that it is of God's Nature that He creates every possible number object in every possible world. So, the numbers exist in every possible world (i.e. they're necessary), but they do so derivatively.