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Single Idea 19330

[from 'The Theodicy' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 28. God / A. Divine Nature / 6. Divine Morality / b. Euthyphro question ]

Full Idea

The three dogmas (1) that the nature of justice is arbitrary, (2) it is fixed, but not certain God will observe it, or (3) the justice we know is not that which God observes, destroy our confidence in the love of God.

Gist of Idea

If justice is arbitrary, or fixed but not observed, or not human justice, this undermines God

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (The Theodicy [1710], p.237), quoted by Franklin Perkins - Leibniz: Guide for the Perplexed 2.III

Book Reference

Perkins,Franklin: 'Leibniz: Guide for the Perplexed' [Continuum 2007], p.28


A Reaction

Leibniz proceeds to carefully refute these three responses to the dilemma about how justice relates to God.