Logic and Divine Simplicity

The paper surveys two contrasting views of first-order analyses of classical theistic doctrines about the existence and nature of God. On the first view, first-order logic provides methods for the adequate analysis of these doctrines, for example by construing 'God' as a singular term or as a monadic predicate, or by taking it to be a definite description. On the second view, such analyses are conceptually inadequate, at least when the doctrines in question are viewed against the background of classical theism's doctrine of divine simplicity, for first-order analyses presuppose an ontological complexity on the part of the propositions which they analyze, which fits ill with this doctrine.