Maitzen and the Problem of Magic

This entry looks at Stephen Maitzen’s essay ‘The Problem of Magic’, which is available from his website here. Said essay is interesting not for the actual arguments it contains but for the implied metaphysical cost of its background. For the sake of charity I will say now that I am only aware of Maitzen’s work through a number of his essays in philosophy of religion and that these may not be an adequate representation of his ability as a philosopher.

In the course of the essay Maitzen sets out to argue several claims, most prominently that that the intelligibility of the universe does not require God and that theism or other forms of supernaturalism in fact threaten its intelligibility. I will focus my attention on his later thesis and only make a few observations on the first part of the discussion.

What Is Going On With Ontological Investigations?

All our writers are currently in the process of moving to other continents or finishing the last two months of philosophy degrees.

We have several articles in various states of doneness languishing in suitcases or on our desks, and a regular podcast coming. Stay tuned.

When Are Universals?

Aficionados of Armstrong's work will appreciate Ernâni Magalhães's PhD thesis, When are universals? The relationship between universals and time. Others, too.