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Single Idea 5982

[from 'Confessions' by Augustine, in 16. Persons / F. Free Will / 6. Determinism / a. Determinism ]

Full Idea

How do prophets see the future, if there is not a future to be seen?

Gist of Idea

If the future does not exist, how can prophets see it?

Source

Augustine (Confessions [c.398], XI.17)

Book Reference

Augustine: 'Confessions', ed/tr. Pine-Coffin,R.S. [Penguin 1961], p.267


A Reaction

The answer, I suspect, is that prophets can't see the future. The prospect that the future already exists would seem to saboutage human freedom and responsibility, and point to Calvinist predestination, and even fatalism.