For the sake of simplicity

Journal article

This article explores a neglected aspect of the doctrine of divine simplicity (DDS). Traditionally, DDS holds that God’s attributes, such as omnipotence and omniscience, are identical to each other and to God’s existence. While most existing literature explores the implication of DDS on other divine attributes, this article offers a systematic reflection on the property of being simple under the framework of divine simplicity. Addressing the ontological nature of simplicity itself raises novel and significant questions about the nature of God and the coherence of DDS. Through an examination of the property of being simple with respect to various ontological frameworks, particularly two versions of bundle theory, this article reveals that the attribute of being simple possesses a distinct ontological status, differing fundamentally from other divine attributes.

Authors: Lee, H

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Journal: The Philosophical Quarterly
• Article number: pqaf108
• Publication date: 2026-01-13
• Acceptance date: 2025-12-15
• DOI: 10.1093/pq/pqaf108
• EISSN: 1467-9213
• ISSN: 0031-8094
• Language: English
• Keywords: divine attributes; universals; tropes; bundle theories; divine simplicity