Testing Analogies between Mathematics and Theism. A Formal Analysis and Evaluation of Silvia Jonas’s Argument for Modal-Structural Theism with Paul Bartha’s Articulation Model

Baumgartner D (2026)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Book Volume: 77

Pages Range: 166-183

Journal Issue: 2

Abstract

Silvia Jonas has argued for interpreting theistic propositions analogically to mathematical propositions, using a modal-structuralist semantics. She claims that objective truth-values for theistic statements can be provided without incurring ontological costs. This paper examines the analogy using Paul Bartha’s “Articulation Model” and demonstrates that it can be interpreted as an explanatory-probabilistic analogy with a strong prior association and an adequate potential for generalization, making the analogy functional. There is no internal reason within the analogy to reject the inference, making it reasonable to accept it as sound.

Authors with CRIS profile

How to cite

APA:

Baumgartner, D. (2026). Testing Analogies between Mathematics and Theism. A Formal Analysis and Evaluation of Silvia Jonas’s Argument for Modal-Structural Theism with Paul Bartha’s Articulation Model. Münchener Theologische Zeitschrift, 77(2), 166-183.

MLA:

Baumgartner, Dominik. "Testing Analogies between Mathematics and Theism. A Formal Analysis and Evaluation of Silvia Jonas’s Argument for Modal-Structural Theism with Paul Bartha’s Articulation Model." Münchener Theologische Zeitschrift 77.2 (2026): 166-183.

BibTeX: Download