•  49
    Robert A. Larmer, The legitimacy of miracles: Lexington Books, Lanham, ix + 207 pages, $85
    International Journal for Philosophy of Religion 76 (2): 235-240. 2014.
    This is a good book. It is good because: (a) it outlines well the central arguments of the debate (that is, the arguments relating to what a miracle is, whether they are possible, whether we can have evidence of their occurrence, and what would follow from such evidence were we to have it); (b) it furthers the debate; and (c) it is a clearly written. If you are a philosopher religion whose research area is miracles, the book is a must-read. If you are philosopher of religion whose research area …Read more
  •  32
    Defining Miracles: Direct vs. Indirect Causation
    Philosophy Compass 11 (5): 267-276. 2016.
    In this paper, a candidate necessary condition of a miracle is introduced: the direct restriction. The direct restriction holds that all miraculous effects have direct non-natural causes.
  •  1591
    Most people agree that murder is wrong. Yet, within computer games virtual murder scarcely raises an eyebrow. In one respect this is hardly surprising, as no one is actually murdered within a computer game. A virtual murder, some might argue, is no more unethical than taking a pawn in a game of chess. However, if no actual children are abused in acts of virtual paedophilia (life-like simulations of the actual practice), does that mean we should disregard these acts with the same abandon we do vi…Read more
  •  90
    In defence of Mumford's definition of a miracle
    Religious Studies 39 (4): 465-469. 2003.
    In a recent paper in Religious Studies, Clarke criticizes Mumford's definition of a miracle as it fails to recognize a supernatural agent capable of intent. Clarke believes that in order for an event to qualify as a miracle a supernatural agent must intend it. It is my aim to dismiss this qualification and demonstrate how Mumford's intent-neutral definition is less problematic. I will do this by examining each of the three cases against Mumford's definition and give reason to reject Clarke's cri…Read more