Real Structures and Divine Action Externalism: A Solution to Benacerraf's Problem

Abstract

Paul Benacerraf claimed in 1973 that realist accounts of truth which are applicable to propositions of both mathematics and science inevitably conflict with accounts of how propositions are known. This article presents a solution to the problem based on two assumptions: (1) that the God of the Bible is absolutely self-sufficient; and (2) that God is creating, providentially guiding, and redeeming according to his plans for his purposes in Christ. A coherent synthesis of what these assumptions entail itself entails that “abstract” and physical structures are real and that propositional knowledge of them is a matter of one’s cognitive faculties functioning properly due to God’s acting.