Alvin Plantinga, Philosopher
Visiting King’s September 19 to 23, 2011

Alvin Plantinga has been one of the towering figures in philosophy for over 40 years, having published groundbreaking work in the fields of metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of religion. He has lectured around the world and has been admirable in his devotion to furthering philosophical research in developing countries, such as China, Russia, Romania, and Poland. The large number of his former students who currently teach in philosophy departments across the country are a testimony to his intellectual power and his commitment to the integration of faith and philosophy.

His enduring contributions include fundamental work on the metaphysics of modality, a theistic theory of knowledge, the free will defense in response to the deductive argument from evil, a compelling revision to the ontological argument for the existence of God, and defense of the rationality of belief in God without the support of arguments. He has played a tremendous role in the revival of interest in philosophy of religion in Anglo-American philosophy, and has challenged Christian philosophers to allow their faith to direct their projects and interests, and do so in a way that integrates a vibrant Christian understanding of the world with their philosophical ideas.

Plantinga has an extensive publication list; and several of his books have changed the landscape in philosophy, including God and Other Minds, The Nature of Necessity, God, Freedom, and Evil, and his monumental trilogy in epistemology: Warrant: The Current Debate, Warrant and Proper Function, and Warranted Christian Belief.