Divine Simplicity: A New Assessment

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

10.22091/jptr.2026.13037.3307

Abstract

One of the attributes traditionally ascribed to God by medieval philosophers is divine simplicity. This article explores the various interpretations of divine simplicity presented by medieval thinkers, evaluating which of these interpretations are plausible and which are not. The article addresses the concept of divine simplicity with respect to the absence of plurality in the divine essence. While God is free from material multiplicity, the discussion highlights that analytical plurality—comprising existence and quiddity—can still exist. Regarding divine simplicity as pure actuality, the article argues that this concept is acceptable only concerning the attributes of the divine essence. The third interpretation posits that God's attributes are identical with God's essence. If this interpretation means that God's attributes do not contribute to the multiplicity within the divine essence, then it could also apply to humans and is not exclusive to God. However, if it implies a complete semantic and ontological identity between God and His attributes, this interpretation would be problematic. In conclusion, the article asserts that the concept of divine simplicity is valid in certain senses but not in others.

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Journal of Philosophical Theological Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 25 April 2026

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