Timothy O'Connor

Timothy O'Connor, Mahlon Powell Professor of Philosophy and Cognitive Science at Indiana University, explores why an all-loving God permits horrendous suffering. He contrasts theoretical and pastoral approaches and examines Stump and Adams on narrative, postmortem meaning, freedom, and divine love. He ends by considering how the communion of saints might integrate diverse sufferings into a shared eternal union with God.

Join brilliant minds like John Polkinghorne, a physicist turned theologian, and John Hick, a philosopher of religion, as they dive into the essence of God. The discussion redefines God beyond traditional views, exploring a vulnerable deity intertwined with the universe. J.L. Schellenberg raises questions about skepticism and existence, while Timothy O'Connor tackles free will. Together, they unravel the complexities of divine attributes, the notion of 'ultimism,' and the meaningful essence of faith in human life.

Timothy O'Connor, a Professor of Philosophy at Indiana University, dives deep into the concepts of emergence, focusing on the distinction between weak and strong emergence. He uses Conway's Game of Life as a metaphor to illustrate how simple micro-level interactions yield complex phenomena. O'Connor argues against common skepticism about strong emergence, suggesting that the interpretations in philosophy and psychology need greater clarity. He further explores the implications of these ideas on consciousness and the potential impacts of intentionality.