Omnisubjectivity: An Essay on God and Subjectivity

Linda Trinkaus Zagzebski argues that God knows all objective facts and conscious states from their own point of view, which she calls omnisubjectivity. She offers three models of how this is possible and answers objections to it. She applies the conclusions to the doctrines of the Trinity, Incarnation, and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Subjectivity is primary in the universe, and God is intrinsically subjectivity and intersubjectivity. Objectivity is only relative to the created world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Linda Trinkaus Zagzebski presents a compelling argument that the God of the monotheistic religions possesses a remarkable attribute known as omnisubjectivity. This attribute implies that God not only possesses comprehensive knowledge of all objective facts but also possesses a profound understanding of the conscious states of all conscious beings, from their own unique perspectives. Zagzebski refers to this property as omnisubjectivity.

God's omnisubjectivity extends to every aspect of human experience, including pain, emotions, beliefs, thoughts, desires, and the conscious states of animals. Zagzebski begins by defining subjectivity and explaining why it differs from anything found in the objective world. She then argues that omnisubjectivity is a logical consequence of divine omniscience, omnipresence, divine love, justice, and practices of prayer.

Zagzebski presents three models to illustrate how omnisubjectivity is possible: the empathy model, the perceptual model, and panentheism. These models offer different perspectives on how God can be subjectively present to all conscious beings. Zagzebski addresses objections that may arise regarding omnisubjectivity, such as its compatibility with attributes like timelessness, immutability, impassibility, divine goodness, holiness, and infinity. She demonstrates that omnisubjectivity can coexist with these attributes without conflicting with them.

Furthermore, Zagzebski extends the account of omnisubjectivity to include the divine grasp of possible but non-actual subjective states. She argues that God can imagine all possible subjective states of all possible conscious beings, even those that are not actualized in the physical world. This extension of omnisubjectivity adds depth and complexity to the concept.

Zagzebski applies the conclusions of her book to the doctrines of the Trinity, the Incarnation, and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Many of the arguments presented in the book apply to all the monotheistic religions, while some arguments also apply to monotheistic Hinduism. The book concludes with the assertion that subjectivity holds a primary position in the universe. God is intrinsically subjectivity and intersubjectivity, while objectivity exists solely from an external viewpoint and is relative to the created world.

In conclusion, Linda Trinkaus Zagzebski's book offers a profound exploration of the concept of omnisubjectivity, challenging traditional notions of God's knowledge and presence. Through her thoughtful and rigorous analysis, Zagzebski provides compelling evidence for the existence of a God who is deeply aware of the subjective experiences of all conscious beings. This book has significant implications for theology, philosophy, and the study of consciousness.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 216 x 146 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197682098