神の絶対的能力

トマス哲学の一断面

抄録

In later medieval philosophy, divine power is often divided into potentia Dei absoluta (divine absolute power) and potentia Dei ordinata (divine ordained power). Does divine absolute power include the ability to sin? According to the traditional interpretation of this power distinction, which is found in Thomas Aquinas, God cannot sin even by divine absolute power. But this claim requires more explanation.
In the philosophical theology of Thomas Aquinas, divine absolute power has a duality. First, divine absolute power means the possibility of establishing other orders in the world. Secondly, it means the divine actuality which is perfectly indifferent to the world. In the latter sense, divine power is considered in itself independently of divine will. God's impeccability is often explained by reference to divine will. But, as long as divine absolute power in the second sense means divine goodness as divine substance, God's impeccability can also be explained by reference to divine power itself, without reference to divine will. Divine goodness doesn't set limits to divine power. If anything, in God's relations with the world, it is divine goodness which is restricted.