Fact from Fiction: The Divine Command Theory of Ontic Indeterminacy
Persistent URL
Author(s)
Lebens, Samuel
Kurtsal Steen, İrem
Date Issued
April 1, 2025
Abstract
One standard interpretation of quantum physics describes our world as manifesting ontological indeterminacy. In this paper, we argue that theists are well placed to account for this indeterminacy should that account of quantum physics win out over competing alternatives. We criticize the three most promising theories of ontic indeterminacy in how they account for quantum indeterminacy. We present another form of indeterminacy: the indeterminacy of fiction. We propose an often-underappreciated corollary of standard theism, namely, Theistic Dependence (TD). We contend that the theist, equipped with TD, can render quantum indeterminacy as comprehensible as the very tame indeterminacy in fiction. This, we argue, provides the theist with an advantage over the atheist.
Journal
Oxford Studies in Philosophy of Religion
Department
History and Philosophy
Citation
Lebens, Samuel, and İrem Kurtsal Steen, 'Fact from Fiction: The Divine Command Theory of Ontic Indeterminacy', in Lara Buchak, and Dean W Zimmerman (eds), Oxford Studies in Philosophy of Religion: Volume 11, Oxford Studies in Philosophy of Religion (Oxford, 2025; online edn, Oxford Academic, 1 Apr. 2025), https://doi.org/10.1093/9780198954712.003.0001, accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Version of Article
Published version
DOI
10.1093/9780198954712.003.0001
Rights
© Samuel Lebens and İrem Kurtsal Steen 2025
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