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ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Negative Power: A Conceptual Challenge to the Omnipotence Paradox

Authors: Azimuth;

Negative Power: A Conceptual Challenge to the Omnipotence Paradox

Abstract

The Omnipotence Paradox is commonly expressed through the question: Can an omnipotent being create a rock so heavy that it cannot lift it? The paradox appears to show that omnipotence is incoherent, since either answer seems to imply a limitation. This conceptual paper argues that the Omnipotence Paradox is not decisive as a general refutation of omnipotence because it can be resisted under two major interpretations. If omnipotence is understood as logic-bound, then the paradox describes an incoherent task rather than a genuine limitation. If omnipotence is understood as supra-logical, then contradiction cannot function as a decisive refutation of a being defined as transcending logical limitation. The paper’s original contribution is the concept of Negative Power, defined as the power to actualize limitation, inability, restraint, negation, non-performance, or self-restriction. Negative Power is distinguished from weakness: weakness is passive incapacity, while Negative Power is active limitation-production. The paper does not attempt to prove the existence of an omnipotent being. Nor does it claim that Negative Power explains all contradictions. Its aim is narrower: to challenge whether the Omnipotence Paradox successfully refutes omnipotence, especially where the paradox depends on the assumption that inability must always signify deficiency.

Keywords

omnipotence, negative power, divine attributes, logic, stone paradox, contradiction, logic-bound omnipotence, inability, philosophy of religion, self-restriction, modal self-restriction, limitation, omnipotence paradox, divine power, supra-logical omnipotence

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green